Royals Rumors Roundup: Atlanta not expected to chase Mike Moustakas

Vargas Looking Like a Perfect Fit for Baltimore

If the Hot Stove has its way, Jason Vargas seems to be on his way to playing for the Orioles in 2018. According to MASNsports’ Roch Kubatko, Vargas and former Texas hurler Andrew Cashner could be targets to join a Baltimore rotation looking to replace three starters. Vargas and Cashner, who could be a realistic target to replace Vargas in KC, would give the Orioles a lefty-righty combination in the middle of the rotation.

Kubatko is just the latest person to view Baltimore as a potential suitor for the former Kansas City Royals pitcher. MLB Trade Rumors predicted Vargas would sign with the Orioles for one year and $10 million. MLB.com columnist Jim Duquette also believes the left-hander will ink a deal with Baltimore. A former Mets general manager, Duquette calls for Vargas to receive a two-year, $24 million contract. That points to the main sticking point with the aging starter.

Ideally, Vargas would earn himself a two-year pact. It’s hard to argue someone who tied for the league lead in wins doesn’t deserve at least that much. Then again, he will be 35 years old when the season starts. Baltimore, though, seems desperate to add multiple starters, meaning the organization might not have the leverage to sign Vargas to a one-year deal. It should be pointed out that Duquette used to work in the Orioles front office, and his cousin, Dan Duquette, is the team’s current general manager.

Regardless of the contract length, it’s looking increasingly likely that Vargas pitches for Baltimore in 2018 (and maybe 2019).