The Cuban Miguel Vargas wrote another chapter in the history books of the Chicago White Sox by hitting his 31st home run of the season, becoming the fifth third baseman in the franchise's history with the most home runs in a single campaign.
The home run came on Monday against the Cleveland Guardians, Chicago's main rival in the American League Central Division, at a time of great competitive importance for the team.
It was a two-run home run in the sixth inning, hit 391 feet, that directly contributed to the White Sox's victory by 7-3.
Vargas finished the game with a line of 2-4, scoring two runs and driving in two, delivering a solid performance in the match that got the series off to a good start for Chicago.
With this figure, the Cuban third baseman surpasses Joe Crede—who hit 30 home runs in 2006—and secures the fifth spot on the historical list of home run-hitting third basemen for the franchise, as highlighted by analyst Francys Romero on his social media.
The table is topped by Todd Frazier, with 40 home runs in 2016, followed by Robin Ventura (34 in 1996), Bill Melton (33 in 1971 and 33 in 1970), and now Vargas with 31 in 2026.
The Cuban baseball player's production leap this season is extraordinary: his previous personal record was only 16 home runs, set in 2025.
The 2026 campaign also took him to the All-Star Game for the first time in his career, when he had recorded 20 home runs, 55 RBIs, and an OPS of .854 at the time of selection.
Their global numbers in 2026 reflect an elite season: an average of .249, 31 home runs, 81 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases.
The journey to home run 31 was marked by progressive milestones throughout the season: two home runs in a single game in May, the All-Star Game appearance in July, and the historic 28th home run in August, which made him the third third baseman of the 21st century in the franchise to reach that number.
Home run number 30 had arrived just ten days before Monday, against the Minnesota Twins, wrapping up a high-caliber August and the start of September.
With the season still ongoing and the White Sox engaged in a decisive series against the Guardians, Vargas has the opportunity to continue climbing the historical list and get closer to Bill Melton's 33 home runs, the next name on the chart.
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