Predicting Landing Spots for Kansas City Royals Free Agents

Jason Vargas

Jason Vargas had an outstanding first half to the 2017 season. His efforts sent him to the All-Star Game for the first time in his career. He also wound up tied for the league lead in wins. But his second half was nowhere near as good as his first half. The concerns about him being an aging veteran with arm issues are real.

Vargas was fantastic in a Royals uniform. Everyone laughed at the Royals when they made a “major announcement” back in 2013, but the signing turned out to be a great one for the Kansas City Royals.

Time to Say Goodbye

All good things must come to an end eventually, and I think Vargas’ time with the Royals has come to an end. The Royals are going to have a big decision about where to spend their money this offseason. I just don’t think it makes sense for them to waste a chunk of that on a pitcher who will be 35 when the 2018 season begins.

That being said, I do think Jason Vargas is in for one more payday. I just don’t see the Kansas City Royals being the team to pay him.

My prediction for a Vargas destination is the Seattle Mariners.

The Seattle Mariners really struggled with their rotation in 2017. They had a very average team ERA, but they didn’t have a single pitcher throw 161 innings. Ariel Miranda led the team with 160 innings pitched, and his 5.12 ERA was less than impressive. The Seattle Mariners could use some continuity in their rotation, and they could use a guy who made 32 starts and posted a 4.12 ERA in 2017.

Prediction: Jason Vargas signs with the Mariners for three years and $27 million.