January 21, 2026 5:46 PM PST
Veteran utilityman triggered an opt-out in his minor league deal with the Diamondbacks and has been granted his release, Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Arizona could have added him to the 40- Alex Young Jersey man roster to retain him but have instead granted Vargas his release. Hes now a free agent. The 33-year-old Vargas has appeared in parts of eight major league seasons and carries a lifetime .246/.289/.354 batting line in 1192 plate appearances split between the D-backs, Twins, Cubs, Pirates and Nationals. Arizona gave Vargas his major league debut back in 2017, and saw big league action with the Snakes in each subsequent season up through 2021. His return to the organization wont culminate in a big league appearance this time around (barring a re-signing and some injuries that create a need at Chase Field). Vargas has continued to showcase terrific bat-to-ball skills in Triple-A this year, fanning in only 9.5% of his 221 plate appearances. In 49 games with Reno, hes batting .261/.330/.397 (78 wRC+) with five home runs, eight doubles, a pair of triples, four steals (in five tries) and an 8.6% walk rate. The versatile defender has seen time at second base, shortstop and third base this year his three primary positions throughout his profe sional career. Vargas also has limited experience at first base and at all three outfield slots. The switch-hitting Vargas has typically been better from the right side of the dish, but hes had better luck swinging left-handed in 2025. Hes slashing .270/.329/.421 with 13 of his 15 extra-base hits while facing right-handed pitching in 2025; as a right-handed batter, hes logged only a .234/.333/.319 output (albeit in a small sample of 54 plate appearances). Though he can play all over the diamond, Vargas is best deployed as a second baseman or third baseman at this stage of his career. A team looking for some depth at those positions and perhaps more of an emergency option at short or in the outfield could take a look at the journeyman as he explores the market for new opportunities. Ronny Mauricio Jersey
Veteran utilityman triggered an opt-out in his minor league deal with the Diamondbacks and has been granted his release, Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Arizona could have added him to the 40- Alex Young Jersey man roster to retain him but have instead granted Vargas his release. Hes now a free agent. The 33-year-old Vargas has appeared in parts of eight major league seasons and carries a lifetime .246/.289/.354 batting line in 1192 plate appearances split between the D-backs, Twins, Cubs, Pirates and Nationals. Arizona gave Vargas his major league debut back in 2017, and saw big league action with the Snakes in each subsequent season up through 2021. His return to the organization wont culminate in a big league appearance this time around (barring a re-signing and some injuries that create a need at Chase Field). Vargas has continued to showcase terrific bat-to-ball skills in Triple-A this year, fanning in only 9.5% of his 221 plate appearances. In 49 games with Reno, hes batting .261/.330/.397 (78 wRC+) with five home runs, eight doubles, a pair of triples, four steals (in five tries) and an 8.6% walk rate. The versatile defender has seen time at second base, shortstop and third base this year his three primary positions throughout his profe sional career. Vargas also has limited experience at first base and at all three outfield slots. The switch-hitting Vargas has typically been better from the right side of the dish, but hes had better luck swinging left-handed in 2025. Hes slashing .270/.329/.421 with 13 of his 15 extra-base hits while facing right-handed pitching in 2025; as a right-handed batter, hes logged only a .234/.333/.319 output (albeit in a small sample of 54 plate appearances). Though he can play all over the diamond, Vargas is best deployed as a second baseman or third baseman at this stage of his career. A team looking for some depth at those positions and perhaps more of an emergency option at short or in the outfield could take a look at the journeyman as he explores the market for new opportunities. Ronny Mauricio Jersey