The 2022 MLB All-Star Futures Game takes place on Saturday, July 16, at Dodger Stadium, which is an annual showcase of the league’s top Minor League talent.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are being represented by Diego Cartaya, Bobby Miller and Miguel Vargas in the exhibition. The New York Yankees are the only other team to have three players selected.
Vargas was the Dodgers’ Branch Rickey Minor League Player of the Year in 2021 and he has continued to make strides this season. In 85 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City, he is hitting a stellar .295/.385/.496 with 21 doubles, 13 home runs and 64 RBI across 395 plate appearances.
Dodgers director of player development Will Rhymes has been impressed with Vargas’ development and his consistency at the plate, via Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“A lot of guys we’ve sent there have had some initial struggles, even some really good hitters,” Rhymes said. “So it’s been amazing how he’s hit the ground running.”
An infielder by trade, Vargas played his first game in left field last month and made a couple of impressive catches. Rhymes believes the 22-year-old is evolving into a complete player:
“He’s just growing into the total package,” Rhymes said.
Vargas signed with the Dodgers as an international free agent in 2015 and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he makes his MLB debut at some point this season.
Vargas increasing versatility for potential Dodgers promotion
Vargas learning how to play the outfield could potentially fast-track his path to the Dodgers roster as the club places a high value on versatility.
Gavin Lux essentially learned how to play left field on the fly at the end of the 2021 season and wound up having more opportunities down the stretch.
If the Dodgers were to promote Vargas this season, they would first need to add him to their 40-man roster, which would require a corresponding move.
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