Mariners Rumors: Orioles, Tigers, Royals Inquire on Jason Vargas

The Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers have all inquired on Seattle Mariners left-hander Jason Vargas, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe:

The Orioles, Tigers, and Royals have made inquiries on Vargas. He’s not one of the top guys out there, but could provide a steady hand in the middle to back end of the rotation and augment a hard thrower with his finesse style.

The Mariners entered the day 15 ½ games behind the American League West-leading Texas Rangers with an overall record of 42-55. For this reason, many expect the Mariners to at least consider selling this summer.

Vargas has pitched well for the Mariners since joining the club and figures to be one of Seattle’s more-coveted players as the trade deadline approaches.

The 29-year-old’s career marks in Seattle are an ERA and WHIP of 4.13 and 1.271, but he’s been even better over the past three seasons. He made over 30 starts and compiled more than 190 innings during the 2010-11 seasons, and he’s maintained an ERA and WHIP of 3.91 and 1.196 over his 21 starts this year.

Vargas is making $4.85 million this year and will be arbitration eligible once more before hitting the free agent market following the 2013 season.

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Which team(s) should target Vargas this summer?

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