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The Mets could be looking to shore up their starting rotation, and have their eyes on free agent Jason Vargas, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
Mets still have solid interest in LHP Jason Vargas, who was with pitching coach Dave Eiland in Kansas City the last few years.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) February 15, 2018
After watching their entire rotation sans Jacob deGrom go down with injuries last season, the Mets could be looking for a short-term addition to slide into the rotation should starters like Matt Harvey fail to return to form.
Vargas, 35, enjoyed the best stint of his 12-year career during the first half of the 2017 season, when he started the year with a 12-3 record and a 2.62 ERA, earning his first All-Star selection. He would tail off a bit in the second half and finish the season with a 4.16 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP over 179 2⁄3 innings.
Vargas would provide the Mets with another lefty presence in the rotation, with Steven Matz being the only southpaw in the team’s current projected rotation.
Given the lack of interest surrounding Vargas this offseason, the Mets could bring him in for a discounted price, which would satisfy their desire to limit their spending.