The White Sox improved by 19 wins from the 2024 to the 2025 season, marking significant improvement. Additionally, the White Sox played much better than a 60-102 team for most of the second half, as they had some important contributions from the rookies on the roster.
As we dissect the 2025 season, we will take a look at how each player performed, as well as their outlook for 2026 and beyond. The first player we will take a look at will be none other than 1B/3B Miguel Vargas.
Vargas came over to the White Sox at the 2024 trade deadline, as he was apart of the three team trade that sent Tommy Pham and Erick Fedde to the Cardinals and Michael Kopech to the Dodgers. Vargas' 2024 was a forgettable one, as he was one of the worst hitters in the league after joining the team.
Most figured that wasn't a proper reflection of Vargas' talent, but he still needed to show massive improvement in 2025. He did just that. On the season, Vargas hit .234 with a .316 OBP and a .717 OPS. He added 16 homeruns and 60 RBIs. This was a very solid first full season for Vargas and he looked like a completely different player.
This improvement was due to a swing change in late April. After that change, Vargas played like a future all-star. According to FanGraphs, from April 23rd to the end of the season, Vargas hit .254 with all 16 of his homeruns and 54 RBIs. He had a .331 OBP and a very good 10% walk percentage to just a 16% strikeout percentage. This is exactly what the White Sox wanted to see out of Vargas this year.
Vargas' patience at the plate is exactly what Chris Getz looks for in a player, as he is able to avoid swinging at pitches outside the zone and get on base via the walk. He also has 20+ homer power potential, as he had 16 despite a stint on the IL and having a rough start to the year.
🚨 MIGUEL VARGAS HOME RUN 🚨 pic.twitter.com/cjK4OhJEuL
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) September 28, 2025
Vargas has now earned himself a starting spot somewhere in the 2026 White Sox lineup, as he could slot in either at third or first base. He will likely hit in the top half of the lineup, as he will be expected to be a run producer at the top of the order.
Vargas will likely continue to improve in 2026, as he will have better hitters around him to give him more protection in the lineup. Still just 25, he will continue to grow with the rest of the young talent on the team.
Overall, Vargas' season started very slow, but after a tweak to his swing, he showed what made him a former top-50 prospect in all of baseball. He earns a B+ grade in this report card, as he has now likely earned himself a spot in the plans for the White Sox future.
