Vargas, who has been one of the important pieces of the Chicago White Sox during this season, in which they project to win the Central division of the American League or stay with a wild card ticket, was asked if that boy who dreamed of playing in the Major Leagues had finally achieved his goal.
“No, not yet,” he replied. “I think that with dreams you always set limits and for me, the truth is that I have had many experiences in the league and I never set limitations for myself.”
Vargas understands the process that has led him to this point. The Cuban considers that experience has been decisive in his evolution since he debuted in the Majors.
“I think it’s obviously a little more experience in the League. I think the team in general has been doing a tremendous job,” he explained and the numbers back it up.
Until August 31, Vargas had played 134 games, with 123 hits, 30 doubles, 29 home runs, 76 RBIs, 92 runs scored and 13 stolen bases. His offensive line was .249/.363/.490, with an OPS of .853 and 4.5 WAR, according to Baseball-Reference.
In addition to experience, Vargas attributes part of his growth to the adjustments he has made at the plate. The process, he points out, began last season, although he acknowledges that making changes mid-year was not easy.
“I think since last year I’ve been making some adjustments at the plate. Last year was a little difficult since I had done it in the middle of the year,” he said.
This time he had the opportunity to work on those changes during the offseason and came into the season with greater confidence.
“It’s hard to make some adjustments in the middle of the year. I think I worked on that in the offseason and I feel super comfortable this year.”
One of the main changes was related to the position of his hands and the angle of the bat. “I just raised my hands a little bit with the bat, the angle. Raise my hands and be a little bit above the ball,” he explained.
The objective was also to correct the problems he had had on the high straights.
“I had a lot of mistakes with the fastball up and nothing, just be a little more ready for that,” said Vargas, who also talked about what he would tell the player who debuted in the Major Leagues four years ago. His advice has nothing to do with numbers or results, but with having patience.
“Nothing, I would tell him to be patient. Things are done step by step and not want to rush anything, but rather enjoy the process and enjoy the game too,” he said.
White Sox Rebirth
That process has coincided with the change the White Sox have experienced this season.
After three seasons in which Chicago lost more than 100 games, the team has turned a corner and is fighting for the American League Central Division.
Vargas especially highlights the youth and unity that exists within the clubhouse.
“I think the team in general is focused on the same purpose, we are a very young team. We all want to show that we belong in the league,” he said. “We have tremendous unity. We all support each other and the truth is that it is incredible to be in this group.”
The Cuban, due to his credentials as a prospect, has been identified as a standard within the Chicago offense, although he does not consider that this represents an additional responsibility.
“The truth is not a responsibility, I think it is simply seeing the team the way we are playing,” he explained. “For me it’s just wanting to be a part of them and contribute every day to winning the game.”
That mentality is part of what Vargas believes has allowed the team to change its situation in just one year.
“When we have a team like this, anyone in our generation can change the game, in any game situation. The truth is that we have done an incredible job and we are proud of that,” he said.
Personally, Vargas also recognizes the role that the organization has had in his development.
“I am very grateful to the Chicago organization for giving me the opportunity to play every day in the Major Leagues. I think it has been a mutual process, both mine and the team,” he said.
The Cuban arrived in Chicago in 2024 and considers that the growth he has experienced since then has been important for both him and the organization.
“Seeing from when I arrived in 2024 to where we are now has been incredible for me and for the organization as well,” he said.
Next goal: playoffs
“We are very proud of that and we are thinking about this year being able to go to the playoffs,” Vargas said.
The season also has a special meaning for him due to his status as Cuba’s representative in the Major Leagues. Vargas remembered several of the players he admired before reaching the Majors and who were role models for their generation.
“For me it is a pride to represent my country,” he expressed. “A few years ago I saw players like Yordan (Álvarez), (Aroldis) Chapman, Yulieski (Gurriel), (José) Abreu, incredible legends of my country. For me to be able to represent our country at this level has been something incredible.”
Now it is Vargas who occupies that place for other young Cubans who aspire to reach the Major Leagues. But, despite everything he has achieved so far, the White Sox player insists that he still doesn’t feel like he has fulfilled his dream.
“I think that for me from where I was when I started to where I am now has been something incredible and the truth is that enjoying myself has been the best thing about the process,” he commented.
Vargas does not want to set limits. His goal, for now, is to continue doing what he has done this season, help the White Sox in the fight for the playoffs and enjoy the moment.
