There’s very little doubt who the MVP of the Chicago White Sox has been in 2026. After posting a .104 batting average in 42 games with the White Sox in 2024, very few people envisioned Miguel Vargas becoming the type of player he is now in just two years. In what feels like no time, Vargas has turned himself from a failed top prospect, to a serviceable starter, to one of MLB’s superstars. His incredible performance landed him a trip to Philadelphia for the All-Star game this summer, and it could soon land him a nomination for MLB’s most prestigious award: the MVP.
With just five games to play, the AL MVP award seems just about decided. Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez has been the favorite for the majority of the season, and it’s easy to see why. In 153 games for Houston, Alvarez has slashed .314/.431/.601 with a 1.032 OPS and an AL-leading 41 home runs. Alvarez is one of the game’s most dangerous hitters and has had an impressive season from start to finish. His 6.5 fWAR is second in the American League, and as a primary DH, is completely driven by his offense. Above Alvarez is only Bobby Witt Jr, who continues to post impressive numbers despite a down year by his standards.
Immediately behind Alvarez is Yankees starter Cam Schlittler, the favorite for the AL Cy Young Award. Behind him is former White Sox ace Dylan Cease, who has excelled in his first year in Toronto. Next up? Miguel Vargas. His 5.2 fWAR ranks third among AL position players. While not impossible, it’s pretty rare that a pitcher ends up winning the MVP award. The Cy Young award essentially functions as the MVP for pitchers, so it’s very possible that Schlittler and Cease don’t become MVP finalists. That could leave Vargas next up on the list.
Miguel Vargas' underlying metrics support his excellent season
FWAR isn’t the definitive stat when it comes to a player’s value, but it’s typically a pretty good summary of a player’s offensive and defensive contributions. In 155 games this season, Vargas is slashing .251/.363/.481 with an OPS of .844 and 33 home runs, more than doubling his career high of 16 set in 2025. He’s also turned himself into a genuine threat on the bases, and his 20 steals leads the team. Vargas has elite totals in his xwOBA, xSLG, Barrel%, Sweet-Spot %, and has elite chase and walk rates, giving every indication that his breakout is real and not simply a run of good luck. If there’s any area he needs to improve, it’s his defense, but Vargas has been one of the best hitters in the American League this season.
Miguel Vargas stays hot and hits homer No. 33 to extend the @WhiteSox lead! pic.twitter.com/bwY27DuZxp
— MLB (@MLB) September 19, 2026
Should Vargas be a finalist for the MVP Award, I wouldn’t expect him to win it. I wouldn’t even necessarily expect him to finish second. Alvarez is the overwhelming favorite to win the award, and Rays third-baseman Junior Caminero is the best player on the AL’s best team, giving him an edge as well. But the fact that Vargas may even be among the leaders is remarkable given the state of his career just two years ago.
Miguel Vargas isn’t just the best player on the White Sox and a building block of what they believe is an excellent young core, he’s the type of player and leader that can be the face of a franchise for many years to come. Hopefully, the writers recognize him as the backbone of MLB’s most remarkable story and reward him accordingly.
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