Vargas signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks as an international free agent on January 23, 2013.[1] He spent his first two seasons with the DSL Diamondbacks, going 1–2 with a 6.35 ERA in 22+2⁄3 innings in 2013 and 4–4 with a 2.21 ERA in 61 innings in 2014. He split the 2015 season between the rookie–level Arizona League Diamondbacks, rookie–level Missoula Osprey, and High–A Visalia Rawhide, going a combined 6–1 with a 2.70 ERA over 59+1⁄3 innings. His 2016 was split between the Single–A Kane County Cougars and Visalia, combining to go 5–6 with a 4.10 ERA over 85.2 innings. he spent the 2017 season with Kane County, 5–7 with a 4.02 ERA in 100+2⁄3 innings. His 2018 season was split between Visalia and the Double–A Jackson Generals, combining to go 9–8 with a 2.88 ERA in 143+2⁄3 innings.
On November 20, 2018, the Diamondbacks added Vargas to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.[2] He spent the 2019 season back with Jackson,[3] going 5–3 with a 3.78 ERA over 17 starts and striking out 70 over 85+2⁄3 innings. Vargas did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[4]
Chicago White Sox
On November 20, 2020, Vargas was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox.[5] On February 1, 2021, Vargas was designated for assignment by the White Sox after the team re–signed Carlos Rodón.[6] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple–A Charlotte Knights on February 8.[7] He spent the season with the Double–A Birmingham Barons, making 21 appearances (15 starts) and registering a 7–4 record and 2.90 ERA with 99 strikeouts in 83+2⁄3 innings pitched.[8] He elected free agency following the season on November 7.[9]
On November 28, 2021, Vargas re–signed with the White Sox on a minor league contract.[10] He spent the 2022 season split between Double–A Birmingham and Triple–A Charlotte, making 26 combined appearances (19 starts) and posting a 4–9 record and 5.61 ERA with 116 strikeouts in 112+1⁄3 innings of work. Vargas became a free agent following the season on November 10, 2022.[11]
Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos
On April 20, 2023, Vargas signed with the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos of the Mexican League.[12] In 13 starts for the Tecolotes, Vargas logged a 5–4 record and 4.50 ERA with 66 strikeouts in 70 innings pitched.
CTBC Brothers
On July 6, 2023, Vargas signed with the CTBC Brothers of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL).[13] In 10 starts for CTBC, he posted a 3–2 record and 2.55 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 67.0 innings of work. On October 4, Vargas' contract was terminated by the Brothers and he was issued a permanent ban by the CPBL. The ban was a result of a positive drug test, in which Tetrahydrocannabinol, a class 2 narcotic in Taiwan, and banned substance in the CPBL, was detected.[14]
Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos (second stint)
On April 2, 2024, Vargas signed with the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos of the Mexican League.[15] In 19 starts for Dos Laredos, he compiled a 6-5 record and 3.20 ERA with 99 strikeouts across 112+1⁄3 innings pitched.
