Veteran utilityman Ildemaro Vargas triggered an opt-out in his minor league deal with the Diamondbacks and has been granted his release, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Arizona could have added him to the 40-man roster to retain him but have instead granted Vargas his release. He’s 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 won’t 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, he’s 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 professional 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 he’s had better luck swinging left-handed in 2025. He’s slashing .270/.329/.421 with 13 of his 15 extra-base hits while facing right-handed pitching in 2025; as a right-handed batter, he’s 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.
I can see the Yankees moving on him. Peraza has wet the bed repeatedly so anyone who can play 3rd and hit a bit is an upgrade.
Here today, gone Ildemaro.
BellesBats, As Larry The Cable Guy would say, I don’t care who you are that’s funny.
A real glue guy who can play multiple positions. Veteran who doesn’t make mental mistakes and has stuck in the league despite not having the tools. He’ll get another shot. Definitely has a coaching career in his future if he wants it.
75 wRC+ for his career? Not bad! Only 25% below the league average. Just needs a bit more work and he should be a league average hitter.
25% is nothing to sneeze at but you are right. All he needs is, I guess, 3 seasons of above average production playing every day. Could be doable. He is only 33.
Go get him Preller! A dude who knows the NL West and has lots of positions and taking from the Snakes ohh yeah also he is cheap.