Cincinnati Reds Sign Former Yankees Top International Prospect
The Cincinnati Reds have signed former New York Yankees shortstop Alexander Vargas to a minor-league contract, bringing the 23-year-old prospect into their High-A Dayton affiliate.
Vargas was released by the Yankees last week after struggling in 2025, hitting .226/.291/.359 with seven home runs and 20 stolen bases across High-A and Double-A levels.
Cuban SS Alexander Vargas, recently released by the Yankees, has signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Reds and was assigned to High-A, sources confirm.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) August 19, 2025
Vargas, 23, was the Yankees’ top signing in the 2018–2019 international period with a $2.5 million bonus.
Reds Add Former Yankees Prospect Alexander Vargas to Minor League System
Vargas was one of the Yankees' top international prospects, signing for a $2.5 million bonus in 2018. The Reds had targeted him during that signing period but were limited by international bonus pool restrictions.
Cincinnati’s patience paid off, giving them a chance to add a young infielder with notable speed and defensive ability without matching the Yankees’ hefty bonus.
The Cincinnati Reds signed SS Alexander Vargas to a minor league contract. pic.twitter.com/4Q66B5tsbJ
— MLB Roster Moves (@MLBRosterMoves_) August 20, 2025
While Vargas has yet to post a wRC+ over 100 in any minor-league season and offers limited power, he provides valuable depth in the Reds’ shortstop pool. With recent moves including trading Sammy Stafura to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Vargas joins prospects like Carlos Sanchez and Johnny Ascanio in Dayton, giving some flexibility for Cincinnati’s infield as the 2025 season winds down.
Photo Credit: William Bretzger/Delaware News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
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