Carlos Vargas Stats & Scouting Report — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

IP	7
ERA	0
WHIP	.86
BB/9	3.86
SO/9	9

Full name Carlos Miguel Vargas
Born 10/13/1999 in Moca, Dominican Republic
Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Debut 03/30/2023

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

BA Grade/Risk: 40/High
Track Record: Cleveland signed Vargas for $275,000 in 2016, the team’s highest-dollar international signee that year. A projectable righthander Vargas grew into more velocity in the coming years and was added to the Guardians 40-man roster in 2020. He had Tommy John surgery in spring of 2021 and returned in 2022. Vargas has been traded twice the last two offseasons. He was first dealt to the D-backs in November 2022. He was moved to the Mariners in November 2023. Vargas made his MLB debut with the D-Backs in 2023 but spent most of the season with Triple-A Reno.

Scouting Report: Vargas falls into the category of classic two-pitch reliever with plus-plus fastball velocity and questionable strike-throwing. His primary pitch is a fastball sitting 97-100 mph on average with inconsistent shape. He alternates between cutting the pitch and adding armside run, as he alternates between a two-seam and a cut-four seam grip. This does give Vargas some variety in fastball look to pair with his hard-cutting slider in the low-90s. The slider had a 29.5% whiff rate in Triple-A in 2023 and relies heavily on driving chase swings to be effective. Vargas is a below-average strike thrower but manages to work primarily around the plate. He throws a changeup but it’s a below-average pitch and rarely used.

The Future: Vargas should see time in the Mariners bullpen in 2024 and has the tools to develop into a reliable middle relief option in time.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 30 | Control: 45.
BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Vargas was Cleveland's highest-dollar international signee when he received $275,000 in 2016. The organization bet on his projectable frame and quick arm, and within two years, his fastball had climbed from the low 90s to touching 100 mph. He was added to the 40-man roster in the fall of 2020, then blew out his arm in the spring of 2021, ultimately having Tommy John surgery. He got back on the mound last year and performed well in a relief role, then was shipped to the D-backs for pitcher Ross Carver in November.

Scouting Report: Vargas sits 98 mph with his fastball, routinely reaching triple-digits. Because his four-seamer does not get good ride consistently, the Guardians introduced a sinker, eliciting better results. His slider is a legitimate weapon. He can throw it for strikes early in the count or bury it as a putaway pitch. It averages 90-91 mph and Vargas can occasionally dial it up into the 93-94 mph range. Vargas walked too many batters but it is possible that was due to his long layoff from competition. He is comfortable working down in the zone but needs to learn to better command up in the zone.

The Future: Vargas joins an organization starved for power bullpen arms, putting him in position to claim a job with a strong spring. If he sharpens his command and control, the stuff could play in a high-leverage role. Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60. Slider: 70. Control: 45.
Track Record: Cleveland’s international department went through a transition in 2016 and its biggest signing in that class was Vargas, who signed for $275,000. Cleveland was excited enough about his ceiling that in November 2020 it added him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, despite the fact he hadn’t advanced past short-season ball. Vargas still hasn’t pitched in a full-season league because he had Tommy John surgery in April, sidelining him for the 2021 season.

Scouting Report: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected, and before his injury his fastball touched 100 mph and sat in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. His changeup can be an average pitch and gives him a viable third offering. He improved his strike-throwing in 2019, cutting his walk rate considerably. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.

The Future: After missing so much game time the last two years, Vargas simply needs to get back into a regular routine. He’ll be ready to return to action early in 2022 and will get his first taste of A ball.
TRACK RECORD: Vargas was the Indians' top signing in the 2016 international class, signing for $275,000. Though he wasn't a high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm. Even though he has yet to advance past short-season, the Indians were impressed enough with his progress to add him to the 40-man roster in November.

SCOUTING REPORT: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. His changeup can be an average pitch and gives him a viable third offering. He improved his strike-throwing in 2019, cutting his walk rate considerably. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.

THE FUTURE: Vargas has considerable upside and has given plenty of reason for optimism at the outset of his career. He'll get his first taste of A ball in 2021.
TRACK RECORD: The Indians' international department went through a transition in 2016 and their biggest signing in that class was Vargas, who signed for just $275,000. Though he wasn't a particularly high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm.

SCOUTING REPORT: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.

THE FUTURE: Vargas has considerable upside and has given plenty of reason for optimism at the outset of his career. He'll face another important test in 2020 as he advances to full-season ball with low Class A Lake County.
Track Record: The Indians' international department went through a transition in 2016 and their biggest signing in that class was Vargas, who signed for just $275,000. Though he wasn't a particularly high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm. He made his professional debut in 2018 in the Rookie-level Arizona League, where his big arm stood out.

Scouting Report: Vargas in 2016 had an ultra-projectable frame when he signed as a 17-year old throwing a fastball that reached 93 mph. The anticipated uptick in his velocity has come to pass and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. Vargas has an electric arm and the next stage of his development will be about harnessing his stuff, consistently throwing strikes and developing a third pitch.

The Future: Vargas is on a similar developmental path as Luis Oviedo, who has delivered positive early returns. If Vargas can harness his stuff, he has as much upside as nearly anyone in the system. He'll follow in 2019 in Oviedo's footsteps at short-season Mahoning Valley.

Minor League Top Prospects

One of the more notable high-risk/high-reward players on this list, Vargas made his pro debut in Arizona after sitting out 2017 with an elbow strain. The right-hander with a lightning fast arm regularly touched into the high 90s this summer with periodic reports of triple digit velos. Equally impressive was Vargas' hard slider with depth at 92-93 mph. Like the rest of his repertoire the slider is inconsistent, but when he commands the pitch it's been a plus and sometimes a plus-plus offering. Vargas doesn't yet have a lot of feel for the changeup and his infrequently used curveball is a below-average pitch now. He's athletic and has a projectable frame, so it's not hard to envision Vargas as a big league starter or closer if he can improve his release point and get the delivery more repeatable.

Scouting Reports

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Vargas was Cleveland's highest-dollar international signee when he received $275,000 in 2016. The organization bet on his projectable frame and quick arm, and within two years, his fastball had climbed from the low 90s to touching 100 mph. He was added to the 40-man roster in the fall of 2020, then blew out his arm in the spring of 2021, ultimately having Tommy John surgery. He got back on the mound last year and performed well in a relief role, then was shipped to the D-backs for pitcher Ross Carver in November.

Scouting Report: Vargas sits 98 mph with his fastball, routinely reaching triple-digits. Because his four-seamer does not get good ride consistently, the Guardians introduced a sinker, eliciting better results. His slider is a legitimate weapon. He can throw it for strikes early in the count or bury it as a putaway pitch. It averages 90-91 mph and Vargas can occasionally dial it up into the 93-94 mph range. Vargas walked too many batters but it is possible that was due to his long layoff from competition. He is comfortable working down in the zone but needs to learn to better command up in the zone.

The Future: Vargas joins an organization starved for power bullpen arms, putting him in position to claim a job with a strong spring. If he sharpens his command and control, the stuff could play in a high-leverage role. Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60. Slider: 70. Control: 45.
BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Vargas was Cleveland's highest-dollar international signee when he received $275,000 in 2016. The organization bet on his projectable frame and quick arm, and within two years, his fastball had climbed from the low 90s to touching 100 mph. He was added to the 40-man roster in the fall of 2020, then blew out his arm in the spring of 2021, ultimately having Tommy John surgery. He got back on the mound last year and performed well in a relief role, then was shipped to the D-backs for pitcher Ross Carver in November.

Scouting Report: Vargas sits 98 mph with his fastball, routinely reaching triple-digits. Because his four-seamer does not get good ride consistently, the Guardians introduced a sinker, eliciting better results. His slider is a legitimate weapon. He can throw it for strikes early in the count or bury it as a putaway pitch. It averages 90-91 mph and Vargas can occasionally dial it up into the 93-94 mph range. Vargas walked too many batters but it is possible that was due to his long layoff from competition. He is comfortable working down in the zone but needs to learn to better command up in the zone.

The Future: Vargas joins an organization starved for power bullpen arms, putting him in position to claim a job with a strong spring. If he sharpens his command and control, the stuff could play in a high-leverage role. Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60. Slider: 70. Control: 45.
Track Record: Cleveland’s international department went through a transition in 2016 and its biggest signing in that class was Vargas, who signed for $275,000. Cleveland was excited enough about his ceiling that in November 2020 it added him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, despite the fact he hadn’t advanced past short-season ball. Vargas still hasn’t pitched in a full-season league because he had Tommy John surgery in April, sidelining him for the 2021 season.

Scouting Report: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected, and before his injury his fastball touched 100 mph and sat in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. His changeup can be an average pitch and gives him a viable third offering. He improved his strike-throwing in 2019, cutting his walk rate considerably. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.

The Future: After missing so much game time the last two years, Vargas simply needs to get back into a regular routine. He’ll be ready to return to action early in 2022 and will get his first taste of A ball.
TRACK RECORD: Vargas was the Indians' top signing in the 2016 international class, signing for $275,000. Though he wasn't a high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm. Even though he has yet to advance past short-season, the Indians were impressed enough with his progress to add him to the 40-man roster in November.

SCOUTING REPORT: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. His changeup can be an average pitch and gives him a viable third offering. He improved his strike-throwing in 2019, cutting his walk rate considerably. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.

THE FUTURE: Vargas has considerable upside and has given plenty of reason for optimism at the outset of his career. He'll get his first taste of A ball in 2021.
TRACK RECORD: Vargas was the Indians' top signing in the 2016 international class, signing for $275,000. Though he wasn't a high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm. Even though he has yet to advance past short-season, the Indians were impressed enough with his progress to add him to the 40-man roster in November.

SCOUTING REPORT: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. His changeup can be an average pitch and gives him a viable third offering. He improved his strike-throwing in 2019, cutting his walk rate considerably. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.

THE FUTURE: Vargas has considerable upside and has given plenty of reason for optimism at the outset of his career. He'll get his first taste of A ball in 2021.
TRACK RECORD: Vargas was the Indians' top signing in the 2016 international class, signing for $275,000. Though he wasn't a high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm. Even though he has yet to advance past short-season, the Indians were impressed enough with his progress to add him to the 40-man roster in November.

SCOUTING REPORT: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. His changeup can be an average pitch and gives him a viable third offering. He improved his strike-throwing in 2019, cutting his walk rate considerably. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.

THE FUTURE: Vargas has considerable upside and has given plenty of reason for optimism at the outset of his career. He'll get his first taste of A ball in 2021.
TRACK RECORD: The Indians’ international department went through a transition in 2016 and their biggest signing in that class was Vargas, who signed for just $275,000. Though he wasn’t a particularly high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm.

SCOUTING REPORT: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.

THE FUTURE: Vargas has considerable upside and has given plenty of reason for optimism at the outset of his career. He’ll face another important test in 2020 as he advances to full-season ball with low Class A Lake County. BA GRADE 45 Risk: Medium BA GRADE 50 Risk: Very High
TRACK RECORD: The Indians' international department went through a transition in 2016 and their biggest signing in that class was Vargas, who signed for just $275,000. Though he wasn't a particularly high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm.

SCOUTING REPORT: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.

THE FUTURE: Vargas has considerable upside and has given plenty of reason for optimism at the outset of his career. He'll face another important test in 2020 as he advances to full-season ball with low Class A Lake County.