Yerdel Vargas

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Oakland Athletics #28 prospect in 2017
  Vargas, the No. 24 prospect in the 2016 international class, signed for $1.5 million, one of a handful of A's high-profile July 2 signings. Just 16, Vargas has a strong build already and quick bat speed. He cranks his back elbow and wraps his bat when he loads, creating a loop with some length and uppercut in his swing, leaving him especially vulnerable when he lunges and gets caught out front. Some scouts believed he was one of the better defensive shortstops in the class, with smooth hands and footwork to go with a strong, accurate arm. He is a quick-twitch athlete and projects to add size and strength as he matures, so the Athletics aren't sure where he'll end up on the defensive spectrum. Vargas is aggressive at the plate and had trouble recognizing pitches in the instructional league, which is not uncommon for international signees getting their first taste of organized ball. He has a high ceiling but is very far from reaching it, likely heading to the Dominican Summer League to make his pro debut in 2017.