Reactions to the Mets trading Jason Vargas to the Phillies

One day after adding a starting pitcher, the Mets subtracted a pitcher when they traded Jason Vargas within the division—to the Phillies. In return, Philadelphia sent over twenty-six-year-old catcher Austin Bossart, who is currently in Double-A and played college ball with Jeff Wilpon’s son. He is known more for his defense, and he’s hit very little in the minor leagues. The reactions are mixed, and here you go:

• Baseball America thinks the Phillies got a good low-cost option to help shore up their rotation.
• Philadelphia GM Matt Klentak thinks the southpaw will be a good complement to their right-handed rotation.
• The Phillies are confident that Vargas will be a good addition to the clubhouse despite his outburst earlier in the season.
• Mark Feinsand believes the Phillies traded from a position of strength since Bossart is not ranked in their Top 30 and they have three other catcher who are.
• Joel Sherman points out that the lefty turned into an effective starter, but the Mets would rather save $2 million than spend it on someone they soured on.
• Mike Puma of The Post thinks that even with this trade, the Mets aren’t necessarily done making moves.
• Anthony DiComo argues that this move at least opens up a rotation spot for Marcus Stroman.
• Justin Toscano thinks that the Mets acquired a defense-first catcher, and while the Post agrees with that assessment, they take it a step further with his offensive struggles.
• With Vargas headed to Philadelphia, Anthony Castrovince thinks the colonial time-traveler from Atlanta makes even more sense now.