Los Angeles Angels Have One Arbitration Eligible Player Left

The Los Angeles Angels are down to one arbitration eligible player. Over the weekend, Jason Vargas signed a one year deal worth $8.5 million in his last year of arbitration eligibility. Kevin Jepsen and the team exchanged figures, however, they can still negotiate on a contract before their hearing in February.

Jul 26, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Jason Vargas (38) delivers to the plate against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Vargas came over from the Mariners for Kendrys Morales earlier in the off-season. Vargas was 14-11 last season with a 3.85 ERA. Could Vargas be an answer in the rotation moving forward? Maybe. It will depend on what happens this season and if he can lower his ERA.

Vargas got himself a nice raise from the $5.25 million he made last season. The Angels bullpen should be better, the question is if their starting pitching will be better. It doesn’t look as good on paper, but we all know about teams who look good on paper. Just ask the Los Angeles Lakers.

I fully expect the team to reach an agreement with Jepsen before his hearing next month. I don’t think they are going to be too far apart, so it should be easy for them to reach some sort of agreement. Teams and players don’t like to go to hearings. It can create some bad blood between the team and the player, ask any agent.

Once Jepsen gets settled, don’t look for any other moves by the club. Maybe another minor-league free agent or two. Nothing spectacular or big. No Kyle Lohse. No Michael Bourn.