Cuban third baseman Miguel Vargas crushed his 24th home run of the season at Tropicana Field in Tampa this Sunday, catching up with Japan's Kazuma Okamoto as the second leading home run hitter among third basemen in the 2026 Major League Baseball season.
According to sports journalist Francys Romero on Facebook, the home run occurred in the ninth inning during a game where the Chicago White Sox dominated the Tampa Bay Rays 9-1.
The two-run homer soared to left-center field at a velocity of 104.9 mph, with a launch angle of 24 degrees, covering a distance of 413 feet, as recorded by MLB Statcast.
With this homer, Vargas climbed to second place in the 2026 home run rankings among third basemen, tied with Okamoto of the Toronto Blue Jays, trailing only fellow Cuban Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, who leads with 30 home runs.
Vargas: A Key Player for the White Sox
The Havana-born player has emerged as a crucial offensive force for the White Sox, who, as of Sunday, are at the top of the American League Central Division with a 47-43 record, just one game ahead of the Cleveland Guardians (47-44).
The 2026 season is proving to be his best yet. Across 89 games, Vargas has posted a .245 average, driven in 56 runs, scored 61 times, stolen 11 bases, and achieved an OPS of .851.
Remarkable Progress Throughout the Season
Vargas's upward trajectory has been evident throughout the season. In June, he matched his personal record of 16 home runs in just 65 games, a feat he took all of 2025 to accomplish. By July 5, he had been selected for the All-Star Game with 20 home runs, and on July 27, he joined the White Sox's historic list of third basemen by tying with Joe Crede (2006) and Matt Davidson (2017) with 22 home runs.
Vargas's Journey to MLB Stardom
Born on November 17, 1999, in Havana, Vargas is the son of former Cuban player Lázaro Vargas. He began his career with Industriales in the Cuban National Series in 2014, left Cuba at 16, and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in September 2017 for $300,000. Vargas made his MLB debut on August 3, 2022, with the Dodgers and was traded to the White Sox in a three-team deal in 2024.
Vargas was one of seven Cubans chosen for the 2026 All-Star Game, highlighting a historic representation from the Island in the mid-season event.
With Caminero leading with 30 home runs and Vargas following with 24, two Cubans dominate the top ranks of home run hitters among third basemen in the 2026 MLB season.
Key Facts About Miguel Vargas's 2026 MLB Season
How many home runs has Miguel Vargas hit in the 2026 season?
Miguel Vargas has hit 24 home runs during the 2026 MLB season.
Which team does Miguel Vargas play for in 2026?
Miguel Vargas plays for the Chicago White Sox in the 2026 season.
Who leads the home run rankings among third basemen in 2026?
Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays leads the home run rankings among third basemen in 2026 with 30 home runs.