New York Mets: Jason Vargas is finally a reliable starting pitcher

One of the New York Mets biggest disappointments of 2018, pitcher Jason Vargas, is finally turning into a reliable starter.

As the New York Mets Mets got into spring training, the front office felt that they needed another starter to add depth to a staff that had been injury plagued in 2017.

That’s when then GM Sandy Alderson brought in Jason Vargas on a two-year deal.

Vargas was tied for the lead in the American League with 18 wins last season, and the Mets thought they’d found their guy to sure up the back-end of the rotation.

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They were sorely mistaken.

Vargas has battled injuries, as he’s only thrown 70 innings this year, and his 6.56 ERA is far from what the Mets had been hoping for this year.

But the tides are starting to turn for Vargas.

In the month of August, Vargas compiled a 3.86 ERA, while averaging 8.36 strikeouts per 9 innings and giving up three earned runs or less in five consecutive starts.

That is a vast improvement over Vargas’ first few months of 2018.

At this point, Vargas might be pitching his way into the Mets 2019 plans.

In what is certain to be a rebuilding year for the Mets, the team may look to trade one of their young starters, opening the door to Vargas remaining in the rotation.

If the team decides to move either Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, or Steven Matz, Vargas will certainly be in the rotation in 2019.

If none of them are moved, then Vargas will likely compete with Corey Oswalt for the fifth spot in the rotation.

With the way the Mets give veterans opportunities over younger players, Vargas has a good shot at that spot.

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The Mets can only hope that Vargas continues this stretch and pitches his way onto the team next season, as it would help mask the fact that they signed a lackluster starter instead of going after a pitcher like Jake Arrieta.

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