Diamondbacks' 34-year-old journeyman with .388 average has been biggest surprise in MLB

TL;DR

Ildemaro Vargas, a 34-year-old infielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks, is leading MLB with a .388 batting average, surprising many in the league. His performance has been crucial for the team's offense amid struggles in pitching.

Key points

Ildemaro Vargas leads MLB with a .388 batting average
Vargas is a 34-year-old journeyman infielder
Diamondbacks are 16-16 on the season
Team's offense is performing well despite pitching struggles
Vargas is seen as the biggest surprise in baseball

Arizona DiamondbacksIldemaro Vargas

Diamondbacks' 34-year-old journeyman with .388 average has been biggest surprise in MLB originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 16-16 on the season, and it's thanks in large part to their poor pitching staff so far in 2026. The offense has been fine, with Corbin Carroll leading the way.

But, there's a different player who's been performing at elite levels for the D-Backs this season: 34-year-old journeyman infielder Ildemaro Vargas.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale called Vargas the biggest surprise in baseball, as the veteran D-Backs infielder leads all of the Major Leagues with a .388 batting average this season for one of the more stunning starts to a year in baseball.

MLB's biggest surprise has been Ildemaro Vargas

"Biggest surprise, Ildermaro Vargas, Arizona Diamondbacks," Nightengale writes. "He has had three different stints with the Diamondbacks, playing parts of 10 different seasons with six different teams, and signing a minor league contract this winter when no one else would give him a big-league deal."

Q&A

What is Ildemaro Vargas's batting average in 2026?

Ildemaro Vargas is currently leading Major League Baseball with a .388 batting average in the 2026 season.

Why is Ildemaro Vargas considered the biggest surprise in MLB?

Vargas is considered the biggest surprise due to his unexpected elite performance at age 34, significantly contributing to the Diamondbacks' offense.

How are the Arizona Diamondbacks performing this season?

The Arizona Diamondbacks have a record of 16-16 this season, largely impacted by their poor pitching staff despite a decent offensive showing.