SIGNING TRACKER: Andy Vargas brings ace potential to pitching staff

KITCHENER - Have the Panthers found their ace in the hole on the mound?

Import pitcher Andy Vargas has signed with Kitchener for the 2025 season, bringing with him plenty of international experience.

The 24-year-old pitched at the Premier 12 tournament, working in the same bullpen as Yankiel Mauris.

Vargas made three relief appearances in the tournament, and led the team with 10 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .150 batting average through 5.2 innings of work and a stellar 1.59 ERA.

He has spent the last few years in the Cuban National Series with Industriales de La Habana. 

In 2023-24, he went 6-4 in 16 appearances (seven starts), posting a 2.86 ERA in 63 innings. He collected 53 strikeouts while issuing 30 walks.

"Andy has established himself as a premier pitcher with his recent success in the Premier 12 tournament and Cuban National Series," said general manager Shanif Hirani.

"Andy will transition easily into the top end of our rotation. He is competitive and he loves the game. He is exactly the type of player that we are looking for when putting together our roster."