CLEVELAND — Miguel Vargas faced difficult moments in 2024. “It’s hard at the time. I just want to have joy and be happy at the field and be myself,” Vargas said on a Saturday afternoon. Now, he has achieved All-Star status. “These guys the last couple of years, they have been helping me. They carried me to this point and I can’t be more glad to be part of this group.”
White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas hit a solo home run against the Guardians on June 23, 2026, at Rate Field. He will represent the Chicago White Sox on the American League roster at the All-Star Game on July 14 in Philadelphia. Rosters were announced Saturday evening. “It means a lot,” Vargas stated. “I put a lot of hard work in there, and it’s great to see some payoff. I truly believe that more than one guy deserves to go to the All-Star from this team. But I’m glad to represent them.”
Vargas is the first Sox third baseman to make the All-Star team since Joe Crede in 2008. Previous selections include Robin Ventura (1992), Bill Melton (1971), George Kell (1954), and Jimmy Dykes (1934). “I’m so happy for Vargas,” manager Will Venable commented. “You’re not supposed to have favorites, and I’m not going to say he’s my favorite, but I’m a big fan of Vargy. He represents our club well.”
Entering Saturday’s contest against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field, Vargas slashed .248/.359/.495 with 20 home runs and 55 RBIs in 86 games. His 3.2 fWAR ranked 18th in MLB and 13th among position players. Vargas reflected on his journey. “It’s a long way for me. A couple of years ago, I had tough moments. This means a lot to me. This group helped me a lot, the coaching staff, and everybody to be there with me to get me to this point. I’m very glad to represent the White Sox and I’m very happy for this moment.”
Vargas faced challenges in 2024, hitting .104 in 42 games with the Sox after being traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers. He improved last season, hitting .234 with 16 home runs and 60 RBIs in 138 games. This year, Vargas ranks first among major-league third basemen in runs (58) and walks (51), was tied for first in RBIs, second in home runs, OPS (.854), and slugging, and third in weighted runs created plus (138).
Venable highlighted Vargas’s progress, “We saw stretches in 2025 where he tapped into potential, but it ended up coming and going. There was excitement about the player he could become. He worked extremely hard on his body and swing during the offseason, increasing his bat speed. Vargas performed consistently well, and that’s now expected every day.”
Venable expressed his frustration over having only one Sox player named to the AL roster. “I’m honestly pissed about it. We have many good candidates. As good as the team has played, they’re deserving of recognition. Maybe it’s emblematic of our team, as we get contributions from different roster parts.”
Venable referred to Vargas as “a special guy.” “He has a special way about him—competitive and fiery internally. We see how hard he runs. It’s a special mix.”
This mix has led to Vargas’s first All-Star selection. “I appreciate my teammates, front office, coaching staff, and fans in Chicago. It’s a great moment for my family too.” Vargas stated he’d share this honor with them.
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