Ildemaro Vargas

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #24 prospect in 2018
  Vargas became the fourth player in the past five years to reach the big leagues after being plucked out of independent ball by the D-backs. Vargas has performed ever since, showing good bat-to-ball skills, a solid approach at the plate, above-average speed and the ability to play all over the infield. He even saw time in center field for Triple-A Reno in 2017. He probably fits best at second base. Vargas is not physical and has never hit for much power. Vargas brings energy and an upbeat, infectious attitude to the park with him every day, which are good attributes for a player most scouts see as an utility infielder candidate.
• 
  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #28 prospect in 2017
  The Diamondbacks hit the jackpot the last time they dipped into the independent ranks to sign a former Cardinals farmhand from Venezuela. David Peralta eventually became one of Arizona's regular outfielders. Their latest foray netted them Vargas, who began the 2015 season with Bridgeport of the Atlantic League after seven seasons in the St. Louis system. After playing his first season in the D-backs system at low Class A Kane County in 2015, Vargas split 2016 mostly between Double-A Mobile and Triple-A Reno. He hit .305 and struck out just 39 times in 133 games. Vargas is an extreme contact hitter who takes good at-bats but makes mostly soft contact. An average runner, he plays with a lot of energy and is capable of handling multiple positions in a utility role. He has soft hands and is an instinctive defender. The D-backs added Vargas to the 40-man roster after the 2016 season because he would have been eligible for minor league free agency otherwise. He heads back to Reno in 2017 to show his performance wasn't a fluke while waiting for a need to arise in Phoenix.