Vargas signing bolsters Mets rotation
Coming off a career-worst batting average and sizeable drop in production, Red Sox DH Hanley Ramirez turned to a new offseason workout routine — he’s following Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady’s TB12 method. The 34-year-old Ramirez felt like entering the later stages of his career that it was time to make a change. For him, who better to follow than a 40-yearold QB that just captured his third MVP award. “I went on the Tom Brady side,” said Ramirez, who reported on Friday, a few days before full-squad workouts begin. “I think it’s 100 percent everything he says in the book, the work he does, makes sense.” Fighting through a left shoulder injury last season that he had to be surgically repaired during offseason, Ramirez couldn’t wait to spend the winter concentrating on Brady’s workout guidelines. “I started doing that last year at the end of the season a little bit — with the bands,” Ramirez said. “I think I was feeling a little better. I was waiting for the offseason to start 100 percent.” Signed to an $88-million, four-year contract as a free agent before 2015, Ramirez didn’t hide from how poor he felt he hit last season. “That was terrible,” he said when asked about his .242 average. “RBIs. RBIs. That’s how you win games.” He said the injury greatly affected his power — just 23 homers with 62 RBIs after putting up 30/111 the year before. “Literally, I was hitting with one arm last year and hit 23,” he said. “I should hit 30.” The Milwaukee Brewers have agreed to a minor league contract with lefthander Wade Miley. The 31-year old Miley, who was to report to spring training Friday, went 8-15 with a 5.61 ERA in 32 starts for the Baltimore Orioles last season. He had a league-high 93 walks. Pitcher Bud Norris and the St. Louis Cardinals finalized a $3 million, oneyear contract on Wednesday as the team started spring training workouts. The 32-year-old right-hander led the Los Angeles Angels with 19 saves in 23 chances last season. He went 2-6 with a 4.23 ERA in three starts and 57 relief appearances, striking out 74 in 62 innings. Pitchers Dan Straily of Miami and Brandon Maurer of Kansas City lost their salary arbitration cases Friday, leaving players with an 11-10 lead with only Cincinnati second baseman Scooter Gennett awaiting a decision. The 22 hearings are the most since players went 14-10 in 1990.
Turns out, the New York Mets were ready and willing to spend this winter. More than just a few bucks, too.
All-Star pitcher Jason Vargas and the Mets agreed to a $16 million, twoyear contract Friday, adding depth to a New York rotation that’s been riddled by injuries the past two seasons.
The deal is pending a physical, a person familiar with the agreement said, speaking on condition of anonymity because it had not been announced.
Another person familiar with the contract said it includes an $8 million club option for 2020 with a $2 million buyout, and Vargas can earn up to $1.5 million each year in performance bonuses. That person also spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical and had not been announced.
Vargas went 18-11 with a 4.16 ERA for Kansas City last season, making his first All-Star team and tying for the major league lead in wins. He faded in the second half, however, and the 35-year-old lefty had been among more than 85 free agents seeking a job as spring training opened this week.
While other teams have been reluctant to shop, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson, perhaps sensing an opportunity for bargains, got busy filling holes and adding pieces late in the offseason. He signed free agent right fielder Jay Bruce, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, third baseman Todd Frazier and infielder Jose Reyes before rounding out the haul with Vargas.
Coming off a 70-92 season that followed consecutive playoff appearances, New York also signed reliever Anthony Swarzak to a $14 million, two-year contract in December.