The Chicago White Sox have claimed right-hander Emilio Vargas off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. In addition to Vargas, the club also added 2017 draftees Jake Burger, Gavin Sheets and Tyler Johnson to the roster in order to protect them from being selected in December’s Rule 5 Draft. The 40-man roster is full.
Vargas was signed as an international free agent for $80,000 out of the Dominican Republic back in 2013. After signing with Arizona, the righty spent three seasons in rookie ball with the Diamondbacks. In 2016, Vargas threw 70.2 innings in Low-A with a 3.31 ERA and returned for 100 innings of 4.02 ERA ball in 2017. Vargas thrived in 2018 after a promotion to High-A. Over 108 innings, Vargas averaged 11.67 K/9 with a 2.50 ERA. He earned another promotion to Double-A during the 2018 season and his strikeout rate dipped considerably over 35.2 innings while posting a 4.04 ERA.
The Dominican also threw 85.2 innings at Double-A in 2019 and posted a 3.78 ERA over 17 starts. Emilio made his debut in the Arizona Fall League after the 2019 season as well. In six innings with the Salt River Rafters, Vargas struck out nine hitters and posted an ERA of 3.00.
In 2019, Michael McDermott of SB Nation’s AZ Snake Pit described Vargas as a “late-bloomer” in the Diamondbacks’ system. It was surmised that he possessed a 60-grade fastball in the 93-94 mph range with a slider as a his primary “swing and miss offering.” It was also noted that his changeup could turn into a reliable third pitch. Baseball America ranked Vargas as the No. 25 prospect in the Arizona system in 2019 as well. The publication said he has a “strong and durable build” with a “clean arm stroke.”
The fastball sits in the low 90s with a high spin rate that helps it play up. BA calls his changeup his best secondary offering and noted that the slider is less slurvy. Vargas’ strike throwing improved over the years but it was necessary without any plus pitches. The report also mentions that player development people have “anticipated a breakout season” for years.
The 6-foot-3, 230 pounder has one minor league option remaining and will need to stay on the 40-man roster of the Chicago White Sox to remain in the organization. He profiles as a backend starter and has been pitching in this capacity throughout his minor league career.
Vargas has some deception in his delivery however and is a vertical arm slot guy whose stuff could translate better in relief. He fields his position well and the 24-year-old should compete for a long relief spot in spring training if he makes it that far. This is a worthwhile gamble for the organization to take at this stage of the offseason.
Photo credit: Clinton Cole/FutureSox
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