Cuba’s likely starting shortstop for the 2026 World Baseball Classic is suddenly without a Major League organization. The New York Yankees released Alexander Vargas on August 15, according to Francys Romero of Beisbol FR, but the 23-year-old switch-hitter from Matanzas remains committed to representing Cuba in Pool A at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Cuban SS Alexander Vargas (23) was released from the New York Yankees’ system in recent hours.
Vargas was the Yankees’ marquee signing in the 2018–2019 international period, receiving a $2.5 M bonus.
Although he flashed his talent, he couldn’t find consistency at the plate. pic.twitter.com/eP4XHWyVJo
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) August 15, 2025
Vargas confirmed his intent to play for Cuba earlier this summer, telling World Baseball Network he would join a roster that could feature Yoán Moncada, Andy Ibáñez, and Ernesto Martínez Jr. Cuba will face host Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, and Colombia from March 6–11.
The release closes a six-year chapter with the Yankees that began with a $2.5 million signing bonus in 2018. Vargas reached as high as Double-A Somerset and was ranked No. 17 in the organization by MLB Pipeline in 2022. His MLB profile now lists him as a free agent.
The Yankees also demoted first baseman Jake Gatewood to Double-A Somerset from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on August 15 to make room for their roster spot.
The @Yankees have announced the following roster moves:
????Jake Gatewood – Transferred Scranton to Somerset
????Alexander Vargas – Released from Minor League Contract pic.twitter.com/cmEO8wyvzs— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) August 15, 2025
Vargas played 89 games in 2025 between High-A Hudson Valley and Somerset, hitting .226 with 68 hits, seven home runs, and 20 stolen bases across 333 plate appearances. He split time between shortstop, second base, and third base, making 52 starts at short with a .960 fielding percentage.
His defensive skill has long been his calling card, but he briefly turned heads at Yankee spring training this March, hitting .714 with two home runs in seven at-bats. For a prospect once labeled the best defensive shortstop in the system, it was a glimpse of what scouts thought he could become.
Over six minor league seasons, Vargas played 461 games with a .225 batting average, 32 home runs, 200 RBI, and 110 stolen bases.
Though his future in affiliated baseball is uncertain, Vargas is expected to find playing time in the Caribbean or Australia this winter to stay sharp before Cuba finalizes its roster. With the island set to field its most MLB-influenced WBC lineup ever, Vargas’s glove and versatility remain valuable assets as the nation pursues its first World Baseball Classic championship.
