Four starters the Miami Marlins could target this offseason

Jason Vargas, RHP

Hardcore Marlins fans might recognize this name. This would be a homecoming for Jason Vargas, a second round selection by the Florida Marlins in 2004. Vargas would eventually make his debut with the Fish, but was shipped off to the Mets in 2007.

He’s put together a respectable career since leaving Miami. Stints with the Mets, Mariners, Angels, and Royals have yielded passable results. While Vargas might not pack the flash that a marquee name might, he’ll be more cost-effective, and a veteran addition to a young staff.

The Kansas City Royals aren’t expected to try and retain him this offseason, and he’ll be 35-years old at the start of the 2018 season. Expect a contract for Vargas to be something in the two or three year range. He’ll push for three, the Marlins will only want to commit to a maximum of two.

He can’t slot in as the ace of the staff, but he would be excellent as the third pitcher in the rotation.

Hampered by financial commitments to players who likely won’t see the field, they would need a career year out of Vargas. He’s put together a respectable 3.59-ERA for the Royals this year, something that might improve pitching in the spacious confines of Marlins Park.

He won’t exactly come cheap, but he won’t break the bank either. He is a realistic example of what is at the top of the Marlins budget. The absolute top.