After signing him last season after his release by the New York Yankees, the Cincinnati Reds have released Alexander Vargas, the Matanzas native was released on April 28—a decision that raises eyebrows given his recent performance in the minors with the Chattanooga Lookouts.
In Double-A he hit .339 AVG (19-for-56) with 14 Runs Scored, 8 RBI, a .383 OBP and .776 OPS, which are positive offensive numbers to start the season, but these numbers did not satisfy the team’s upper management.
It seems however that no home runs, one double and a triple were not good enough. Vargas did steal two bases in four attempts A key factor may have been his defense, Vargas made six errors in 19 games at shortstop, a statistical detail that carries significant weight at this level.
Since he arrived in Cincinnati in 2025 after leaving the Yankees organization, the infielder could not advance beyond Double-A after a .229 career average in the Minor Leagues. Vargas becomes another player from the 2026 World Baseball Classic finds himself out of the MLB system after participating with the country in the tournament.
Will Alexander Vargas get another opportunity in organized baseball? This remains to be seen, another Cuban infielder, Yiddi Cappé was released by the Miami Marlins earlier this year after also participating with the country in the World Baseball Classic and has yet as well to be picked up by another ballclub.