Cuban player Miguel Vargas has etched his name into the history books of the Chicago White Sox by hitting his 31st home run of the season. This achievement makes him the fifth third baseman in the franchise's history to achieve such a feat in a single season.
The milestone home run came during a pivotal game against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday. The Guardians, a fierce rival in the American League Central Division, fell behind as Vargas delivered a crucial two-run homer in the sixth inning, propelling the White Sox to a 7-3 victory.
Vargas wrapped up the game with an impressive 2-for-4 performance, scoring twice and driving in two runs. This contribution was instrumental in setting a positive tone for the series opener in Chicago's favor.
With his 31st home run, the Cuban third baseman surpassed Joe Crede, who hit 30 home runs back in 2006, securing fifth place in the franchise's all-time home run list for third basemen. Analyst Francys Romero highlighted this achievement on social media.
The list is topped by Todd Frazier, who hit 40 home runs in 2016, followed by Robin Ventura (34 in 1996), Bill Melton (33 in both 1971 and 1970), and now Vargas with 31 in 2026.
Vargas's remarkable increase in production this season is noteworthy, especially considering his previous personal best was just 16 home runs in 2025. His outstanding 2026 campaign earned him a spot in the All-Star Game for the first time, with 20 home runs, 55 RBIs, and an OPS of .854 at the time of selection.
Overall, Vargas's stats for 2026 showcase an elite season: a .249 batting average, 31 home runs, 81 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases.
Vargas's path to his 31st home run was marked by significant achievements throughout the season. These included hitting two home runs in a single game in May, earning an All-Star Game selection in July, and the historic 28th home run in August, making him just the third White Sox third baseman of the 21st century to reach that mark.
His 30th home run came just ten days before the Monday game, against the Minnesota Twins, highlighting a stellar end to August and a strong start to September.
With the season still ongoing and the White Sox engaged in a critical series against the Guardians, Vargas has the opportunity to climb further up the historical rankings, potentially nearing Bill Melton's 33 home run mark.
Miguel Vargas's Impact on White Sox History
Who is Miguel Vargas?
Miguel Vargas is a Cuban baseball player who plays as a third baseman for the Chicago White Sox. He has gained recognition for his impressive performance during the 2026 season.
What record did Miguel Vargas achieve with the White Sox?
Miguel Vargas hit his 31st home run of the 2026 season, becoming the fifth third baseman in the history of the Chicago White Sox to hit more than 30 home runs in a single season.
How did Miguel Vargas perform in the game against the Cleveland Guardians?
In the game against the Cleveland Guardians, Miguel Vargas hit a crucial two-run homer in the sixth inning, contributing to the White Sox's 7-3 victory. He finished the game with a 2-for-4 performance, scoring twice and driving in two runs.