Robert, Vargas share baseball bond, commitment to winning with White Sox

CHICAGO -- The bond between Luis Robert Jr. and Miguel Vargas dates back to at least 2015, when they were part of the Cuban Junior National team taking part in the 18-and-under Baseball World Cup in Japan.

Their lockers currently are located next to each other in the back left corner of the White Sox home clubhouse at Rate Field, where the South Siders dropped a 10-2 decision to the Yankees on Friday night for a fourth straight setback and a third straight game where they allowed double-digit runs.

Unfortunately, Robert and Vargas are both dealing with injury rehab with about one month to go in the 2025 season. But even in the midst of a 48-87 campaign, Robert and Vargas have had winning in Chicago on their mind.

“One hundred percent, 100 percent,” Vargas said. “That's what we talk about all the time. How we can be better for winning baseball games, how we can help our teammates to be better. For us, it's our dream.

“We're trying to build our dream, we're trying to build good culture for us two individuals. I'm glad to have him as a teammate and to spend time with him has been one of the greatest things that's happened in this season for me."

Vargas was placed on the 10-day injured list prior to Friday’s contest, with Tim Elko joining the team from Triple-A Charlotte, after suffering a left hand sprain during Thursday’s loss to the Yankees. The injury looked a great deal worse in the moment when his glove hand collided with Aaron Judge’s thigh as he was trying to grab Curtis Mead’s one-hop throw from third base to first.

Further tests and evaluations on Friday showed no breaks or ligament damage, leaving Vargas to work his way back as comfortably as possible.

“It looked serious. I think it was serious, obviously not to the point that he broke it,” manager Will Venable said. “But you just never know, and that's why we go through the process and do everything we can to evaluate him. He was great with all of it. The medical staff did a great job. So we're happy with the result."

“Feels way better than what it was last night. Hopefully next week, I'll be able to swing and move, [have] everything back,” Vargas said. “I'll hopefully be back before the [end of the] season.”

Robert was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain after leaving Tuesday’s game against the Royals in the fourth inning. His mindset is to play again in ‘25, but he’s not sure if there’s enough time.

So, if this friends duo wants to win in Chicago, it would have to take root at some point during the 2026 season. The White Sox seem intent on picking up Robert’s $20 million option, but he knows it doesn’t mean he necessarily will be with the team come Opening Day or Spring Training.

Robert’s desire exists to win with the only team he’s ever known at the Major League level.

“Yeah, I know that it’s a possibility of me staying here for two years -- that’s what is my contract, right?” Robert said through interpreter Billy Russo, with the White Sox holding another $20 million option for ‘27 and a $2 million buyout on either year.

“I’ll be happy to stay here as long as they want me here. But I also know that this is something that things can change,” Robert said. “Definitely, I would like to stay here. I want to be part of this team going forward into the future. It’s good.”

General manager Chris Getz expressed organizational commitment to Robert after the latest injury, which Robert appreciated. Without the middle-of-the-order presence of Robert and Vargas, the White Sox dipped to a season-worst 39 under .500 in losing to Carlos Rodón (15-7), who made his first start as a visitor at Rate Field following 116 career starts as part of the White Sox from 2015-21.

Signs of improvement have been there for this White Sox team, from a 10-4 run after the All-Star break to a far more potent second-half offense, with 58 home runs and 198 runs scored. Those positive signs also worked on the individual level for Vargas this entire season and Robert offensively since the start of July, but they will be relegated to supportive teammates for the foreseeable future.

“Those are things we are exposed to when we go out on the field,” Robert said of the injuries. “[Vargas] was having a great season, good game last night, and that thing happened. It was hard for me just to see how hard he went down, but again, that’s nothing you can do about it. Things like that happen in the game.”