Miguel Vargas is a changed man this spring. In a recent interview with CHSN's Chuck Garfien, Vargas discussed his struggles last season and the adjustments he made over the offseason in preparation for a fresh start in 2025.
Vargas Has Prioritized Adding Strength
Vargas acknowledged that his initial White Sox stint was not the positive first impression he hoped to make in Chicago. He also said that his body was not where he wanted it to be last year and that he even lost weight during a long and grueling season.
As a result, Vargas shifted his offseason plans to build strength and improve his physical conditioning. Thanks to a diet of rice and beans and living in the weight room this offseason, Vargas told Garfien that he has gained roughly 20 pounds from the end of the 2024 season to now. Additionally, he said he now better understands the connection between being physically fit and his on-field performance. Vargas also mentioned that his friendship with ex-Dodgers teammate Mookie Betts has benefited him both on and off the field.
Initial Struggles In Chicago
Vargas' struggles with the White Sox after last year's deadline trade have been well documented. As a former top 100 prospect and the leading player in return for Erick Fedde and Michael Kopech, expectations were high for Vargas as soon as he got to Chicago. Unfortunately, his .104 batting average and .387 OPS in 42 games with the White Sox created doubts about his place on the team moving forward.
Golden Opportunity
Despite the immense struggles he experienced during his initial White Sox stint, Vargas has a golden opportunity in front of him. With Yoán Moncada now out of the picture, the starting third base job is up for grabs. Vargas figures to compete with fellow infielder Bryan Ramos for the job this spring. The investment the White Sox made in Vargas and the fact that he is also out of minor league options are additional factors that work in his favor regarding his chances of making the team and having another opportunity to prove himself.
Miguel Vargas' Make Or Break 2025 Season
2025 is arguably the most pivotal season of Miguel Vargas' career so far. The struggles and instability of last season are in the past. His first full season with the White Sox represents a fresh start. At 25 years old, now is the time for him to show what he can do. Given the sheer number of infielders in the organization, the White Sox will have to decide on several fringe players in 2025 to determine if they can potentially be part of the future. Vargas falls into that category. Even though his 2024 performance doesn't warrant another chance, circumstances have given him one. Whether he can make the most of it remains to be seen.
