2024 Mets Minors Top Prospects: No. 6 Marco Vargas

Marco Vargas, Photo by Ed Delany of Mets Minors

No. 6 Marco Vargas, INF

B/T: L/R Age: 5/14/2005 (18)
Ht: 5’11” Wt: 170 lb.
Acquired: Via trade during 2023 season (David Robertson)
ETA: 2026
Stats (FCL/ Low A-St. Lucie): .275/.432/.821, 2 HR, 28 RBI, 53 BB, 38 K

Disclaimer: All prospects rankings were made in the preseason and have not been adjusted for play in 2024.

Initially signed by the Marlins as a 17-year-old out of Chihuahua, Mexico, in 2022. Vargas came over to the Mets, along with Ronald Hernandez, in the deal that sent closing pitcher David Robertson to Miami. He is regarded as one of the best bat-to-ball hitters in the entire Mets organization. Standing 5’11, Vargas has made a name for himself within the lower minor leagues with his elite barrel control and plate discipline.

As a testament to his reputation as an elite prospect at the age of 18, former Mets General Manager Billy Eppler said this about Vargas after the trade, “With Vargas, a left-handed bat, middle of the diamond, shortstop profile right now. Elite contact. Elite decision-making. He has above average exit velocity for the level.” (North Jersey.com).

According to the MLB Pipeline, Vargas’s highest grades are his hit and fielding tools at 60 and 50, respectively. MLB Pipeline has his power scouting grade at 40, though he has shown gap-to-gap power as a doubles hitter. Although he may not have much home run power yet (he has yet to hit a home run since being traded), Vargas has demonstrated his elite ability to swing at great pitches at a young age as he was the only Minor Leaguer last season aged 18 or younger who walked more than he struck out over 250 plate appearances or more. Vargas’ plate discipline could lead to more extra-base potential as he continues to develop physically, especially with how he can consistently make quality contact on the ball.

Vargas dominated in the Dominican Summer League in ’22, earning team MVP honors and league All-Star with his Marlins squad with a .319/.423/.456 slash line. His first full summer stateside was equally impressive, slashing .275/.432/.821 along with the BB/K ratio of 53/38, as previously mentioned. After joining the Mets in the David Robertson deal in late July of last year, Vargas continued to shine, collecting 19 hits in only 21 games, though all were single base hits.

2024 OUTLOOK

Vargas has started the season with Low-A St Lucie and will look to continue to improve his power numbers while maintaining his elite hit tool. Unfortunately, he has already had two week-long stints on the injured list, so he has had a difficult start to the year. He hopes to stay healthy and see continued development in his strength as he climbs the Mets minor league ladder.