Cuban baseball player Miguel Vargas added a remarkable milestone to his career on Sunday by hitting his 22nd home run of the 2026 Major League Baseball season. This achievement places him among the Chicago White Sox's elite third basemen with the most home runs before August in the franchise's storied history.
As per journalist Francys Romero, Vargas's recent homer secured him the fourth spot on this historic list, tying him with Joe Crede (2006) and Matt Davidson (2017), both of whom also hit 22 homers in the same period of their respective seasons.
White Sox Third Basemen Home Run Leaders Pre-August
The complete list of White Sox third basemen with the most home runs before August is as follows:
- Todd Frazier (2016): 29 HR
- Bill Melton (1971): 25 HR
- Robin Ventura (1996): 23 HR
- Miguel Vargas (2026): 22 HR
- Joe Crede (2006): 22 HR
- Matt Davidson (2017): 22 HR
With several games still on the schedule before July concludes, Vargas is just one home run shy of tying Robin Ventura for third place and three away from catching Bill Melton for second. This opens up the possibility for Vargas to continue climbing up the historical rankings within the organization.
Impactful Performance in 2026
The two-run home run on Sunday against the Astros not only advanced the team's score to 5-3 but also added a significant offensive feat to Vargas's already impressive season.
The year 2026 marks Vargas's most successful season to date. Previously, his best was 16 home runs in the entirety of 2025, a figure he matched in just 65 games this season—demonstrating a significant increase in his power output at 26 years old.
This outstanding performance earned him his first selection to the 2026 All-Star Game, where he made a lasting impression. On July 14, at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park, he hit a 433-foot home run, joining Frank Thomas (1995) and Magglio Ordóñez (2001) as the only White Sox players to achieve such a feat in the Summer Classic.
Vargas was also the first third baseman from the franchise to make the All-Star roster since Joe Crede in 2008, and he was part of a group of seven Cuban players selected for the event, marking the second-largest presence of Cuban talent in the game's history.
As the son of former Cuban player Lázaro Vargas, Miguel began his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017, debuting in August 2022. He joined the White Sox in 2024 through a three-team trade and has since established himself as the team's starting third baseman.
Given his current trajectory, Vargas is poised to continue rewriting the narrative for his position within one of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miguel Vargas's Historic Season
How many home runs has Miguel Vargas hit in 2026?
Miguel Vargas has hit 22 home runs so far in the 2026 season.
Who are the other White Sox third basemen with notable home run records?
Other notable White Sox third basemen include Todd Frazier, Bill Melton, Robin Ventura, Joe Crede, and Matt Davidson.
What was Miguel Vargas's previous best home run record?
His previous best was 16 home runs in the 2025 season.