The Mets made another move today, sending Jason Vargas to the Phillies for veteran minor league catcher Austin Bossart. I had the chance to watch Bossart play for two seasons in the Coastal Plain League. At no point did I think he was an MLB prospect.

This was a salary dump. And it’s unfortunate because with how well Vargas has been pitching this year, there was the hope that he would bring back something with the promise of upside, at least. Or that they would keep him and pick up his option for 2020. You never feel great when Vargas is on the mound. But are you going to do jumping jacks for Walker Lockett?

12 comments on “Monday catch-all thread (7/29/19)

  • TexasGusCC

    The Mets added $2.9MM (but hey they saved $2MM) to the Vargas trade, in order to secure a catcher hitting less than .200 that has never hit well and has Nido’s defensive numbers. Incredible!

  • Michael

    I’m sorry to see Vargas go. I did a 180 on him and enjoyed seeing him get hitters out with mid 80s stuff. Certainly a change from the not so successful power pitching we have witnessed.

  • Chris F

    This season is over, and its a smart move. After the Healey incident, and well, rather inconsistent pitching from Vargas, there was exactly 0 % chance they were gonna pay 8M$ next year for his services.

    Also, Brossart played on the same college team as Wilpon’s son.

    • Eraff

      Does this make it seem more likely Or less likely that they will trade more pitchers ?

      It’s time to ask the Chef what kind of soup he’s making

      Today’s Word is Incongruity

    • TexasGusCC

      And they were high school buddies supposedly. Chris, buying that?

      I mean Bossart played at UPenn, Jeff played ball at Palm Beach Community College… LOL, I am actually serious that’s where he played. Got drafted twice! Can’t find his son playing anywhere. Intramurals?

    • MattyMets

      I like Vargas as a #5, but that incident with the reporter was his ticket out. Plus, BVW seems
      intent on ridding the roster of every player Anderson brought in last year, including draft picks.

      Still, if he had to go, I’d have thought we either would have landed a better prospect or at least not had to kick in money.

      • TexasGusCC

        Matt, it’s not getting rid of Alderson’s work, but basically putting it on clearance. BVW is acting like it’s a Strat-O-Matic team that will get new players at will.

        I get the impression this guy doesn’t have a clue how to build and maintain a baseball organization.

  • Mike W

    Vargas is pitching above his expected level. BVW has more magic tricks up his sleeve. Maybe he also signs Cole next off season.

    I am starting to feel that Syndergaard will not he traded. Wheeler and Diaz will be dealt. Probably Frazier too.

    Tomorrow should be a very interesting day.

  • Metsense

    The Met front office acted with their hearts not with their brains in the Vargas deal. I realize that Vargas was not wanted by the Mets after the incident with the reporter but they should have received more value than Austin Bossart. If they were intent to deal Vargas then this deal should have been made in the last hour and explored other options before making this deal.

    • TJ

      I have no issue with salary dumping Vargas, but it does bother me somewhat that it is to a division rival. 2019 is a huge long shot for the Mets, but why give the Phillies a starter? The Angels or similar would have been a better destination.

      And, if the Mets ship Diaz to the Braves, it better be for two stud prospects. We all know Diaz will turn into Mariano on his flight to Atlanta.

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