Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 45 | Overall: 45
Vargas signed with the D-backs back for $80,000 back in January 2013 and spent two summers in the Dominican Summer League before making his United States debut in '15. His full-season debut came the next year, and while he pitched well overall, the D-backs had him repeat the Class A level in '17. The additional time developing in the low Minors paid off for Vargas in 2018, when he reached Double-A in August after leading the California League in ERA (2.50) and strikeouts (140).
Vargas' fastball works in the 90-94 mph range, but the pitch has a higher effective velocity due to a high spin rate that helps him miss bats within the zone. His slider and changeup continue to improve and are regarded as at least average pitches. The latter is currently ahead of the former, but he has feel for mixing both offerings. Overall, Vargas proved tougher to hit (.229 BAA), struck out batters at a career-best clip (10.6 K/9) and lowered his walk rate (3.1 BB/9) across two levels in 2018.
Vargas has a good pitcher's frame, with some projection remaining. He's still young, too, as 2019 marks his age-22 season. He has a ceiling as a back-end starter, though he could look awfully good with his swing-and-miss fastball in a shorter relief role. Transactions Team Date Transaction 10/02/2019 RHP Emilio Vargas assigned to Salt River Rafters. 09/30/2019 Arizona Diamondbacks recalled RHP Emilio Vargas from Jackson Generals. 07/04/2019 Jackson Generals activated RHP Emilio Vargas from the 7-day injured list. 06/19/2019 Jackson Generals sent RHP Emilio Vargas on a rehab assignment to AZL D-backs. 05/10/2019 Jackson Generals placed RHP Emilio Vargas on the 7-day injured list. 03/12/2019 Arizona Diamondbacks optioned RHP Emilio Vargas to Jackson Generals. 11/20/2018 Arizona Diamondbacks selected the contract of Emilio Vargas from Jackson Generals. 08/01/2018 RHP Emilio Vargas assigned to Jackson Generals from Visalia Rawhide. 04/02/2018 RHP Emilio Vargas assigned to Visalia Rawhide from Kane County Cougars. 06/18/2017 Kane County Cougars activated RHP Emilio Vargas from the 7-day disabled list. 06/06/2017 Kane County Cougars placed RHP Emilio Vargas on the 7-day disabled list. 04/18/2017 Kane County Cougars activated RHP Emilio Vargas from the 7-day disabled list. 04/11/2017 Kane County Cougars placed RHP Emilio Vargas on the 7-day disabled list. 04/04/2017 RHP Emilio Vargas assigned to Kane County Cougars. 08/31/2016 RHP Emilio Vargas assigned to Visalia Rawhide from Kane County Cougars. 06/14/2016 RHP Emilio Vargas assigned to Kane County Cougars from Visalia Rawhide. 06/01/2016 RHP Emilio Vargas assigned to Visalia Rawhide from Missoula Osprey. 03/02/2016 Arizona Diamondbacks invited non-roster 1B Emilio Vargas to spring training. 08/31/2015 RHP Emilio Vargas assigned to Missoula Osprey from Visalia Rawhide. 08/28/2015 RHP Emilio Vargas assigned to Visalia Rawhide from AZL D-backs. 05/28/2015 RHP Emilio Vargas assigned to AZL D-backs from DSL D-backs. 01/23/2013 Arizona Diamondbacks signed free agent RHP Emilio Vargas to a minor league contract.
