Chicago White Sox 1st half MVP revealed in latest MLB power rankings

The Chicago White Sox have hit a bit of a rough stretch. They just got swept by the Boston Red Sox and have lost six of their last eight games. Still, they are 47-45 and sit in first place of the American League Central Division. Indeed, their recent struggles should not overshadow all they have been able to accomplish so far in 2026.

After three consecutive seasons of losing more than 100 games a year, the White Sox are suddenly competitive, just one of a handful of American League teams with a winning record. Numerous players have played a role in their early success, but Fox Sports believes Miguel Vargas is the most valuable.

Miguel Vargas named the Chicago White Sox MVP of the 1st half

Coming into 2026, no one thought Chicago was going to be any good. Vargas, for his part, had never hit more than 16 home runs in a single season.

As the first half of the year comes to a close, though, the White Sox are 47-45 and Vargas is hitting .239/.354/.477 with 20 home runs and 56 RBI (he also has 11 stolen bases).

He is the lone White Sox All-Star this season, and Fox Sports believes he is more than deserving of that honor. While ranking Chicago as the ninth-best team in Major League Baseball, they said of Vargas:

“Similar to the Pirates, I’m shocked the White Sox only got one All-Star rep (sorry, Davis Martin and Colson Montgomery). But if Miguel Vargas is the only player the South Siders send to the All-Star Game, he’s at least a worthy choice. The former Dodgers prospect is putting it all together offensively at 26 years old, trailing only Junior Caminero for the highest OPS among AL third basemen.”

In addition to providing some pop at the plate, Vargas has played good defense at third base and has filled in a bit over at first.

Should he continue to put up big power numbers, and should the White Sox remain in contention, he could get some American League MVP votes as well.

More Chicago White Sox news from ChiCity Sports

• Munetaka Murakami set to return to White Sox lineup for final series before All-Star break
• White Sox leapfrog New York Yankees in latest MLB power rankings
• White Sox urged to trade for 8x All-Star ahead of MLB trade deadline

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