Jason Vargas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jason Vargas |
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Vargas with the Omaha Storm Chasers in 2016
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: February 2, 1983 Apple Valley, California, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| July 14, 2005, for the Florida Marlins | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 26, 2019, for the Philadelphia Phillies | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 99–99 | ||
| Earned run average | 4.29 | ||
| Strikeouts | 1,147 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Jason Matthew Vargas (born February 2, 1983) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams. These included the Florida Marlins and Kansas City Royals.
The Marlins picked Vargas in the second round of the 2004 MLB draft. He started playing in the major leagues in 2005. In 2017, he was chosen as an All-Star. He also tied for the most wins in the American League that year.
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Jason Vargas's Early Baseball Days
Jason Vargas was born in Apple Valley, California. He played baseball for his high school team. His dad was even the coach!
After his dad retired, Jason moved to Apple Valley High School. He finished high school in 2001.
College Baseball Journey
The Minnesota Twins picked Jason in the 2001 MLB draft. But he decided not to sign with them. Instead, he went to Louisiana State University (LSU). He played college baseball for the LSU Tigers.
As a freshman, Jason had a 1–1 win-loss record. His earned run average (ERA) was 3.43 in 13 games. He also played as a first baseman and designated hitter. In his first college at-bat, he hit a pinch hit grand slam. This helped the Tigers win a game!
After 2002, Jason moved to Cypress College. He wanted to be eligible for the draft again. At Cypress, he was 11–3 with a 3.10 ERA. He also had 101 strikeouts in 107.1 innings. He was named the Southern California junior college player of the year.
However, his pitching speed dropped. This made teams less interested in drafting him. So, he wasn't picked in that draft.
Jason then transferred to California State University, Long Beach. He played for the Long Beach State 49ers. There, he learned to improve his pitching style. This helped him throw faster. It also made his curveball better.
In 2004, Jason had a 7–4 record with a 4.14 ERA. He also hit well, with a .354 batting average. He had 14 doubles and five home runs.
Jason Vargas's Professional Career
Starting with the Florida Marlins
The Florida Marlins drafted Jason Vargas in the second round of the 2004 MLB draft. He was the 68th player chosen overall. He started playing in the minor leagues in 2004. He did very well with the Jamestown Jammers. He was named the #3 prospect in his league.
In 2005, Jason quickly moved up through the Marlins' minor league teams. He started with the Greensboro Grasshoppers. He had a great 0.80 ERA in five starts. He was then promoted to the Jupiter Hammerheads. After that, he played for the Carolina Mudcats.
Because of his success, the Marlins called him up to the major leagues. He made his MLB debut on July 14, 2005. He had immediate success. On August 21, he pitched his first complete game. He finished 2005 with a 5–5 record and a 4.03 ERA.
In 2006, Jason started in the Marlins' main team. But he struggled and was sent back to the minor leagues. He finished the year with a 1–2 record and a 7.33 ERA for the Marlins.
Moving to the New York Mets
In November 2006, the Marlins traded Jason to the New York Mets. He started the 2007 season in the minor leagues. He was called up to the Mets in May. He pitched only 10.1 innings for the Mets in 2007.
Jason had surgery on his left elbow in October. He also had surgery on his left hip in March 2008. Because of these injuries, he missed the entire 2008 season.
Time with the Seattle Mariners
In December 2008, Jason was traded to the Seattle Mariners. He started the 2009 season in the minor leagues. He was called up to the Mariners in September. He finished 2009 with a 3–6 record and a 4.91 ERA.
In 2010, Jason became a strong pitcher for the Mariners. He had a 9–12 record with a 3.78 ERA. He kept left-handed batters from hitting well against him.
In 2011, he was 10–13 with a 4.25 ERA. He pitched three shutouts, which was third best in the league. In 2012, he had a great July. He went 5–0 with a 1.64 ERA. He was named the American League Pitcher of the Month. For the season, he was 14–11 with a 3.85 ERA.
Playing for the Los Angeles Angels
In December 2012, Jason was traded to the Los Angeles Angels. In May 2013, he was again named AL Pitcher of the Month. In 2013, he was 9–8 with a 4.02 ERA. He pitched two shutouts and three complete games. After this season, he became a free agent.
Joining the Kansas City Royals
In November 2013, Jason signed a four-year contract with the Kansas City Royals. In 2014, he had a career-best 3.71 ERA. He finished the season with an 11–10 record in 30 starts.
In July 2015, Jason had a serious arm injury. He tore a ligament in his left elbow. This meant he needed Tommy John surgery. He missed the rest of the 2015 season and most of 2016. Even though he was injured, the Royals won the World Series that year. He received a World Series ring!
He returned to pitching in September 2016. He pitched 12 scoreless innings that year.
The 2017 season was Jason's first full season after his surgery. He started very strong, with a 12–3 record in the first half. He was chosen for the American League All-Star team. This was his first All-Star selection! He finished the season with an 18–11 record and a 4.16 ERA. His 18 wins tied for the most in the American League.
Returning to the Mets
In February 2018, Jason signed with the Mets again. He missed the first month of the season due to a broken hand. In August, he reached 1,000 career strikeouts. This is a big milestone for a pitcher! In 2018, he had a 7–9 record with a 5.77 ERA.
In 2019, before being traded, he had a 6–5 record with a 4.01 ERA for the Mets.
Finishing with the Philadelphia Phillies
In July 2019, the Mets traded Jason to the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2019 with the Phillies, he had a 1–4 record with a 5.37 ERA. He became a free agent after the 2019 season.
Jason Vargas's Pitches
Jason Vargas threw four main types of pitches:
- A two-seam and four-seam fastball (around 85 mph).
- A curveball (around 71 mph).
- A changeup (around 79 mph).
Personal Life
Jason Vargas is married to his high school sweetheart, Shelly. They have three children together.
