dailyloe.com – On April 18, the White Sox suffered an 11-inning loss to the Athletics, blowing a five-run lead. Miguel Vargas drew two walks but went 0-for-4, lowering his average to .153. The initial assessment was that Vargas might not be the right candidate for the third batting spot.
The discussion surrounding Vargas could have been simple: either keep him as a serviceable player or trade him as the White Sox look toward future prospects. However, since that loss, both Vargas and the White Sox have experienced a positive turnaround.
After dropping to a season-low seven games under .500, the White Sox have rebounded with a record of 15-8, reaching an even .500 after their latest victory against the Royals. Vargas has also improved significantly, hitting .324/.457/.635 since that game, achieving a wRC+ of 200, which ties him with Aaron Judge for the fifth-best in baseball.
Despite this impressive performance, Vargas has been overshadowed locally by Munetaka Murakami and Colson Montgomery. Murakami leads the American League in home runs, generating articles about the White Sox’s decisions regarding him. Montgomery has also gained national attention due to his defensive skills and power.
Vargas’s achievements have often been overlooked, even as he homered in the first three games of his recent stretch. His accomplishments were overshadowed by Murakami’s five-game home run streak and Montgomery’s four-game streak. The trio of the White Sox’s M&M Boys created history, but Vargas found himself in the background.
Though it may seem unfair, Vargas’s lower profile can be understood given Murakami’s new presence and the excitement surrounding Montgomery. As the season progresses, Vargas continues to work on solidifying his position with the White Sox.
