In 2025, Alexander Vargas posted a slash line in MiLB of .229/.292/.353, with a wRC+ of 90 (10% below average) and a clear profile: decent contact, little power, and plenty of speed:
402 PA | BB% 7.5% | K% 17.2% | ISO .124 | BABIP .261 | 26 SB.
The most interesting thing? His offense didn’t explode, although he showed flashes of potential during spring training. The issue in the 2025 season was his lack of power (ISO) and a low BABIP that suppressed his overall numbers.
And pay attention to this: FanGraphs, based on scouting reports, continues to see the player’s strengths in his defense. On The Board, Vargas appears with Spd 60/60 and Fld 45/60, meaning: above-average speed and projected above-average defense at shortstop.
For international tournaments, Cuba needs reliability, range, and speed. Vargas offers exactly that. He’s not the one who carries the lineup, but he’s the one who could prevents losses at a vital position, a premium position in the field.
What a Cuban team looks like so far for the WBC:
Lineup:
- Ernesto Martínez 1B
- Andy Ibáñez 2B
- Ariel Martínez DH
- Yoán Moncada 3B
- Andy Pagés RF
- Yoelkis Guibert LF
- Omar Hernández C
- Alexander Vargas SS
- Victor Labrada CF
Rotation:
- Liván Moinelo LHP
- Yariel Rodríguez RHP
- Lázaro Estrada RHP
- Rafael Sánchez RHP
- José Ramón Rodríguez RHP
Bench:
Yiddi Cappé IF
Andrys Pérez C
Christian Rodríguez SS
Yurisbel Gracial Util
Roel Santos LF
Bullpen:
Raidel Martínez RHP
Darién Núñez LHP
Dario Sarduy LHP
Daysbel Hernández RHP
Silvano Hechavarría RHP
Emmanuel Chapman RHP
Pedro Santos RHP
Denny Larrondo RHP
Randy Labaut LHP
*Cuban-American