| IP | 77.0 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.97 |
| WHIP | 1.350 |
| BB/9 | 2.7 |
| SO/9 | 6.3 |
- Full name Carlos Miguel Vargas
- Born 10/13/1999 in Moca, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- Debut 03/30/2023
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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BA Grade/Risk: 45/High.
Track Record: The Guardians signed Vargas out of the Dominican Republic in 2016, and he burst onto the scene shortly thereafter with a triple-digits fastball on the backfields. However, he missed two full seasons due to the pandemic and then Tommy John surgery. He returned as a reliever, a role that he has adopted ever since. He was traded to the D-backs after the 2022 season and then was part of the return Seattle received when it shipped Eugenio Suarez to Arizona after the 2023 season. In 2024, Vargas had his most successful season in years, cutting his walk rate in exchange for a dip in strikeouts.
Scouting Report: Vargas once threw a four-seam fastball but now primarily uses the two-seamer. It still has its premium velocity and sits 95-100 mph, and he threw harder as the 2024 season wore on. Its shape profiles more as a groundball pitch and less as a whiff pitch. He will also mix in a hard cutter that sits around 94 mph. His strikeout weapon is his hard slider at 87-90 mph that shows tight lateral break and some bottoming out when located down. Vargas will never be a pinpoint artist, but his control took a meaningful step forward at Triple-A in 2024.
The Future: Vargas will need to stay healthy, while also maintaining the walk rate that he displayed in 2024. But his sinker/slider combo is certainly of MLB caliber, and his future could be in the medium to late innings, in the JT Chargois mold. If he survives the offseason roster crunch, he will head to spring training with a shot to break camp on the MLB roster. He made five appearances for Arizona in 2023.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 70 | Slider: 55 | Cutter: 45 | Control: 40. -
BA Grade/Risk: 45/Extreme
Track Record: Phillips was one of the most fastest-rising prospects in the 2022 draft class during the spring after he showed increased physicality and velocity that boosted his draft stock into first round territory. That helium deflated a bit after Tommy John surgery ended his season, but the Braves still signed him for $1.5 million in the second round. He’s yet to officially pitch in a game since, and will now never throw a pitch as a Brave as a pro. He was traded to the Mariners alongside pitcher Jackson Kowar in the trade that sent Jarred Kelenic to the Braves.
Scouting Report: There’s an unknown quantity to Phillips because it’s been so long since he pitched in actual games. After pitching in the low 90s during the 2021 summer, Phillips was routinely in the mid 90s and touching upper-90s velocity during the 2022 spring before his injury. That improved power translated to his breaking ball as well--a mid-80s slider with traditional downward, three-quarters bite that was sharp and late, giving him a potential above-average secondary. Phillips also flashed a firm, mid-to-upper-80s changeup that looks like a serviceable third pitch, though he rarely needed to use it against his high school competition. Phillips still needed to sharpen his command, but his control around the zone was also improved in the spring, and he earned comparisons with Rays righthander Shane Baz thanks to his frame and the shape of his fastball/slider combination. He showed a clean and loose delivery and should have more than enough athleticism and control to begin his pro career as a starter.
The Future: Phillips finds himself with a new organization and should make his professional debut in 2024. Phillips will need to prove his pre-draft velocity boost was no mirage.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 -
BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
Track Record: Vargas was Cleveland's highest-dollar international signee when he received $275,000 in 2016. The organization bet on his projectable frame and quick arm, and within two years, his fastball had climbed from the low 90s to touching 100 mph. He was added to the 40-man roster in the fall of 2020, then blew out his arm in the spring of 2021, ultimately having Tommy John surgery. He got back on the mound last year and performed well in a relief role, then was shipped to the D-backs for pitcher Ross Carver in November.
Scouting Report: Vargas sits 98 mph with his fastball, routinely reaching triple-digits. Because his four-seamer does not get good ride consistently, the Guardians introduced a sinker, eliciting better results. His slider is a legitimate weapon. He can throw it for strikes early in the count or bury it as a putaway pitch. It averages 90-91 mph and Vargas can occasionally dial it up into the 93-94 mph range. Vargas walked too many batters but it is possible that was due to his long layoff from competition. He is comfortable working down in the zone but needs to learn to better command up in the zone.
The Future: Vargas joins an organization starved for power bullpen arms, putting him in position to claim a job with a strong spring. If he sharpens his command and control, the stuff could play in a high-leverage role. Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60. Slider: 70. Control: 45. -
Track Record: Cleveland’s international department went through a transition in 2016 and its biggest signing in that class was Vargas, who signed for $275,000. Cleveland was excited enough about his ceiling that in November 2020 it added him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, despite the fact he hadn’t advanced past short-season ball. Vargas still hasn’t pitched in a full-season league because he had Tommy John surgery in April, sidelining him for the 2021 season.
Scouting Report: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected, and before his injury his fastball touched 100 mph and sat in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. His changeup can be an average pitch and gives him a viable third offering. He improved his strike-throwing in 2019, cutting his walk rate considerably. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.
The Future: After missing so much game time the last two years, Vargas simply needs to get back into a regular routine. He’ll be ready to return to action early in 2022 and will get his first taste of A ball.
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TRACK RECORD: Vargas was the Indians' top signing in the 2016 international class, signing for $275,000. Though he wasn't a high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm. Even though he has yet to advance past short-season, the Indians were impressed enough with his progress to add him to the 40-man roster in November.
SCOUTING REPORT: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. His changeup can be an average pitch and gives him a viable third offering. He improved his strike-throwing in 2019, cutting his walk rate considerably. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.
THE FUTURE: Vargas has considerable upside and has given plenty of reason for optimism at the outset of his career. He'll get his first taste of A ball in 2021. -
TRACK RECORD: The Indians' international department went through a transition in 2016 and their biggest signing in that class was Vargas, who signed for just $275,000. Though he wasn't a particularly high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm.
SCOUTING REPORT: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.
THE FUTURE: Vargas has considerable upside and has given plenty of reason for optimism at the outset of his career. He'll face another important test in 2020 as he advances to full-season ball with low Class A Lake County. -
Track Record: The Indians' international department went through a transition in 2016 and their biggest signing in that class was Vargas, who signed for just $275,000. Though he wasn't a particularly high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm. He made his professional debut in 2018 in the Rookie-level Arizona League, where his big arm stood out.
Scouting Report: Vargas in 2016 had an ultra-projectable frame when he signed as a 17-year old throwing a fastball that reached 93 mph. The anticipated uptick in his velocity has come to pass and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. Vargas has an electric arm and the next stage of his development will be about harnessing his stuff, consistently throwing strikes and developing a third pitch.
The Future: Vargas is on a similar developmental path as Luis Oviedo, who has delivered positive early returns. If Vargas can harness his stuff, he has as much upside as nearly anyone in the system. He'll follow in 2019 in Oviedo's footsteps at short-season Mahoning Valley.
Minor League Top Prospects
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One of the more notable high-risk/high-reward players on this list, Vargas made his pro debut in Arizona after sitting out 2017 with an elbow strain. The right-hander with a lightning fast arm regularly touched into the high 90s this summer with periodic reports of triple digit velos. Equally impressive was Vargas' hard slider with depth at 92-93 mph. Like the rest of his repertoire the slider is inconsistent, but when he commands the pitch it's been a plus and sometimes a plus-plus offering. Vargas doesn't yet have a lot of feel for the changeup and his infrequently used curveball is a below-average pitch now. He's athletic and has a projectable frame, so it's not hard to envision Vargas as a big league starter or closer if he can improve his release point and get the delivery more repeatable.
Scouting Reports
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BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
Track Record: Vargas was Cleveland's highest-dollar international signee when he received $275,000 in 2016. The organization bet on his projectable frame and quick arm, and within two years, his fastball had climbed from the low 90s to touching 100 mph. He was added to the 40-man roster in the fall of 2020, then blew out his arm in the spring of 2021, ultimately having Tommy John surgery. He got back on the mound last year and performed well in a relief role, then was shipped to the D-backs for pitcher Ross Carver in November.
Scouting Report: Vargas sits 98 mph with his fastball, routinely reaching triple-digits. Because his four-seamer does not get good ride consistently, the Guardians introduced a sinker, eliciting better results. His slider is a legitimate weapon. He can throw it for strikes early in the count or bury it as a putaway pitch. It averages 90-91 mph and Vargas can occasionally dial it up into the 93-94 mph range. Vargas walked too many batters but it is possible that was due to his long layoff from competition. He is comfortable working down in the zone but needs to learn to better command up in the zone.
The Future: Vargas joins an organization starved for power bullpen arms, putting him in position to claim a job with a strong spring. If he sharpens his command and control, the stuff could play in a high-leverage role. Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60. Slider: 70. Control: 45. -
BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
Track Record: Vargas was Cleveland's highest-dollar international signee when he received $275,000 in 2016. The organization bet on his projectable frame and quick arm, and within two years, his fastball had climbed from the low 90s to touching 100 mph. He was added to the 40-man roster in the fall of 2020, then blew out his arm in the spring of 2021, ultimately having Tommy John surgery. He got back on the mound last year and performed well in a relief role, then was shipped to the D-backs for pitcher Ross Carver in November.
Scouting Report: Vargas sits 98 mph with his fastball, routinely reaching triple-digits. Because his four-seamer does not get good ride consistently, the Guardians introduced a sinker, eliciting better results. His slider is a legitimate weapon. He can throw it for strikes early in the count or bury it as a putaway pitch. It averages 90-91 mph and Vargas can occasionally dial it up into the 93-94 mph range. Vargas walked too many batters but it is possible that was due to his long layoff from competition. He is comfortable working down in the zone but needs to learn to better command up in the zone.
The Future: Vargas joins an organization starved for power bullpen arms, putting him in position to claim a job with a strong spring. If he sharpens his command and control, the stuff could play in a high-leverage role. Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60. Slider: 70. Control: 45. -
Track Record: Cleveland’s international department went through a transition in 2016 and its biggest signing in that class was Vargas, who signed for $275,000. Cleveland was excited enough about his ceiling that in November 2020 it added him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, despite the fact he hadn’t advanced past short-season ball. Vargas still hasn’t pitched in a full-season league because he had Tommy John surgery in April, sidelining him for the 2021 season.
Scouting Report: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected, and before his injury his fastball touched 100 mph and sat in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. His changeup can be an average pitch and gives him a viable third offering. He improved his strike-throwing in 2019, cutting his walk rate considerably. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.
The Future: After missing so much game time the last two years, Vargas simply needs to get back into a regular routine. He’ll be ready to return to action early in 2022 and will get his first taste of A ball.
-
TRACK RECORD: Vargas was the Indians' top signing in the 2016 international class, signing for $275,000. Though he wasn't a high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm. Even though he has yet to advance past short-season, the Indians were impressed enough with his progress to add him to the 40-man roster in November.
SCOUTING REPORT: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. His changeup can be an average pitch and gives him a viable third offering. He improved his strike-throwing in 2019, cutting his walk rate considerably. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.
THE FUTURE: Vargas has considerable upside and has given plenty of reason for optimism at the outset of his career. He'll get his first taste of A ball in 2021. -
TRACK RECORD: Vargas was the Indians' top signing in the 2016 international class, signing for $275,000. Though he wasn't a high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm. Even though he has yet to advance past short-season, the Indians were impressed enough with his progress to add him to the 40-man roster in November.
SCOUTING REPORT: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. His changeup can be an average pitch and gives him a viable third offering. He improved his strike-throwing in 2019, cutting his walk rate considerably. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.
THE FUTURE: Vargas has considerable upside and has given plenty of reason for optimism at the outset of his career. He'll get his first taste of A ball in 2021. -
TRACK RECORD: Vargas was the Indians' top signing in the 2016 international class, signing for $275,000. Though he wasn't a high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm. Even though he has yet to advance past short-season, the Indians were impressed enough with his progress to add him to the 40-man roster in November.
SCOUTING REPORT: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. His changeup can be an average pitch and gives him a viable third offering. He improved his strike-throwing in 2019, cutting his walk rate considerably. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.
THE FUTURE: Vargas has considerable upside and has given plenty of reason for optimism at the outset of his career. He'll get his first taste of A ball in 2021. -
TRACK RECORD: The Indians’ international department went through a transition in 2016 and their biggest signing in that class was Vargas, who signed for just $275,000. Though he wasn’t a particularly high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm.
SCOUTING REPORT: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.
THE FUTURE: Vargas has considerable upside and has given plenty of reason for optimism at the outset of his career. He’ll face another important test in 2020 as he advances to full-season ball with low Class A Lake County. BA GRADE 45 Risk: Medium BA GRADE 50 Risk: Very High -
TRACK RECORD: The Indians' international department went through a transition in 2016 and their biggest signing in that class was Vargas, who signed for just $275,000. Though he wasn't a particularly high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm.
SCOUTING REPORT: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.
THE FUTURE: Vargas has considerable upside and has given plenty of reason for optimism at the outset of his career. He'll face another important test in 2020 as he advances to full-season ball with low Class A Lake County.
Career Transactions
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Seattle Mariners activated RHP Carlos Vargas from the paternity list.
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Seattle Mariners placed RHP Carlos Vargas on the paternity list.
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RHP Carlos Vargas changed number to 54.
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RHP Carlos Vargas changed number to 42.
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Seattle Mariners recalled RHP Carlos Vargas from Tacoma Rainiers.
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Arizona Diamondbacks optioned RHP Carlos Vargas to Reno Aces.
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Arizona Diamondbacks optioned RHP Carlos Vargas to Reno Aces.
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Arizona Diamondbacks recalled RHP Carlos Vargas from Reno Aces.
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Arizona Diamondbacks recalled RHP Carlos Vargas from Reno Aces.
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Arizona Diamondbacks optioned RHP Carlos Vargas to Reno Aces.
