It was only a matter of time before the New York Mets made another move. They did so by trading veteran lefty Jason Vargas to the Philadelphia Phillies for catcher Austin Bossart and cash considerations.
Jason Vargas has been traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, a source tells ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 29, 2019
Vargas had a really solid season with the Mets after an abysmal one in 2018. He was 6-5 with a 4.01 ERA in 94.1 inning pitched. After a rough April, he had a 3.53 ERA from May through his last start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Who Did The Mets Receive in Return?
The Mets were not expecting a top-30 prospect in return so they took a risk on Bossart. He is 26-years old and has never produced with the bat during his time in the minors. His .195/.303/.335 slash line is no where near great, but he is walking at a higher rate this season. The Mets are hoping that parlays into something.
Source confirms the Mets' return for Jason Vargas is 26-year-old catcher Austin Bossart, who was hitting .195/.303/.335 at Double-A. A rival evaluator described him as a good defender without much offense to his game, as the numbers testify.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 29, 2019
With Vargas’ contract and his numbers it was very unlikely the Mets would do better than this. Bossart is a good risk for the Mets to take considering their lack of catching depth and if Bossart hits, he could contribute at the big league level.
Will Wheeler or Syndergaard Go?
Reports have said the Houston Astros are most likely acquiring Zack Wheeler, but there has been no traction on that deal. Noah Syndergaard has high value to the Mets and seems more likely to stay as the hours go on. If none of them go, the Mets certainly have the pitching to make a legitimate run at the NL Wild Card.