Young Mets Prospect Poised For Breakout Season
The New York Mets found themselves out of contention in late July last year and started jettisoning their veteran pitchers.
Max Scherzer? Traded to Texas. He won his second World Series ring.
Justin Verlander? Shipped to Houston. He helped the Astros reach the ALCS.
David Robertson? Sent to Miami. The Marlins made the playoffs.
The payoff for Robertson should be of interest in 2024. In fact, MLB.com named that player, the one the Mets received in return for Robertson, as their breakout candidate in the Mets’ organization in 2024.
Marco Vargas is just 18 years old. The Marlins signed him out of Mexico in May of 2022 as a free agent. The Marlins immediately sent him to their Dominican League team and he thrived as he slashed .319/.421/.456/.877 with two home runs and 38 RBI.
That earned him a promotion stateside in 2023 as the Marlins sent him to their Florida Complex League team. When it came time to get Robertson for the stretch drive, the Marlins included Vargas in the deal.
The Mets kept him in the FCL for 15 games and then sent him to Class-A St. Lucie, their full-season affiliate. Facing a step-up in competition he rose to the occasion, as he slashed .308/.419/.308/.727 in six games.
Vargas has a ways to go. But MLB.com noted that the Mets love his plate discipline and his ability to put the ball in play at a young age.
The infielder will need a couple of years to find a place in Queens. But, for this season, the youngster could make a big jump in the system.
