If former Arizona Diamondbacks minor league pitcher Emilio Vargas was hoping to re-establish himself in the CPBL, he needs a backup plan.
According to the CPBL Stats Twitter account, Vargas has been permanently banned from the league. A drug test found traces of THC in his system back in September. Marijuana is considered a Class 2 marcotic in Taiwan, leading to the ban.
Former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Emilio Vargas needs to find another path
Vargas has been in professional baseball since 2013, signing as a 16 year old international free agent. He spent eight total years in the Diamondbacks’ system, including the 2020 covid season although he was not included in their player pool. Vargas was claimed by the White Sox in November of that year, spending two seasons in the organization before being let go. He spent 2023 between the Mexican League and the CPBL, hoping to rebuild his career.
Vargas had his moments during his minor league career. He has a 3.73 ERA and a 1.246 WHiP over his 765.2 minor league innings with 769 strikeouts and 264 walks. He also performed reasonably well in Mexico and Taiwan last season. As he is still 27 years old, there is a chance he could still have a major league future.
Now, it is a matter of finding a team willing to give him a chance. It is not likely that will come in Asia; South Korea and Japan are just as strict about marijuana. He also may not have done enough to attract a minor league deal. In all likelihood, Vargas will pitch in the Winter Leagues, hoping for success and another opportunity. It’s a longshot, but that chance could come.
Former Arizona Diamondbacks minor league Emilio Vargas is hoping to return stateside. His quest for the majors has gotten harder.
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