In his fifth major league season Miguel Vargas is starting to come into his own as a player and is looking forward to a big season in 2026 with the Chicago White Sox. Vargas is a young veteran on a team that is going through a youth movement and is looking like a leader in the lockeroom.
Last season the native of Havana played his first full season in the major leagues as a full-time position player and he responded with the bat. In 504 at-bats in 2025, Vargas swatted 118 hits, 32 doubles, 2 triples, 16 homeruns and 60 runs batted in, while also slashing .234/.316/.401/.717.
After working very hard this offseason the Cuban infielder is looking to build on 2025 and help his talented by young team take the next step. With young talented hitters such as Vargas, Edgar Quero, Munetaka Murakami and Colson Montgomery the team from the Southside is looking to build a solid core for years to come.
This is your third year with the team. How much more comfortable do you feel at the plate now?
You know, obviously now after last year I am, I played my first full year in the big leagues last year and you kind of know how the league is, especially it’s a long season. You have to be really consistent, everyday.
And what did you work on during the off season?
You know, I’ve been coming to this year,I want to really work on my defense. I think last year I played a lot of first base and I want to be able to play in the field in any way possible. I also worked my swing. I think I did a couple of adjustments last year and it has helped me a lot. So I can be consistent and do the type of stuff that I was doing last year.
You have a six RBI day yesterday and you have it at home in Miami. How did that make you feel?
It meant a lot for me, especially this year. Half my family was here, a lot of friends. You know, it was exciting. I was glad that we were able to celebrate together and share those types of moments.
Speaking of your family, your father was legendary third basemen in Cuba with Industriales. What impact has he had on your career?
I mean, a lot. You know, I’m very proud to have his last name on my back everyday and now I wear his number now. He introduced me to baseball. And, you know, he prepared me this opportunity. I feel that I represent him every time I take the field.
What goals do you have for this season?
You know, the obvious that. What we all want to be, you know, all star and all that stuff. But, you know, I think that we got the right guys to go playoffs. I think that’s our goal and you know, I think we are in a really good spot. We have a lot of young talent, we have go out and do our job and show them. We can make noise in the league for sure. We very excited.
You have another Cuban on this team named Edgar Quero, talk to us about your relationship with Edgar.
He’s my brother. I met Edgar like four years ago, you know, when we were in the minor leagues we always talked about playing in the big leagues and now we are here. You know, it’s special that we now play the same team. I’m happy and glad to have him here.