ANAHEIM, Calif. — Jason Vargas was born in Southern California, played in the NCAA Super Regionals for Long Beach State in 2004, was a solid starter for the Los Angeles Angels in 2013 and fully expected to be with the Angels for a few more years.
Then came Kansas City.
Vargas and the Angels were close to a multi-year deal after 2013 when the Royals countered with a four-year offer, one more than the Angels would consider. He went to Kansas City and helped the Royals to the 2014 and 2015 World Series, winning in 2015.
Part of his 2015 season (5-2, 3.