The Los Angeles Dodgers went into the offseason with an intention of providing Miguel Vargas, in addition to other young players and prospects, plenty of opportunity to assume a significant role for the team this season.
Vargas put together an impressive campaign with Triple-A Oklahoma City last year and also made his MLB debut. He only appeared in 18 games for the Dodgers, but was still included on their postseason roster for the National League Division Series.
As the Dodgers have moving parts in their infield due to losing Justin Turner and Trea Turner in free agency, Vargas appears primed for somewhat of a position change.
During an interview with Jim Bowden on SiriusXM sateellite radio, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Max Muncy will remain at third base and Vargas is expected to play second base:
Andrew Friedman #Dodgers told us that if he had to guess now he sees Muncy at 3B Lux at SS Vargas at 2B Taylor in OF…Rojas utility…but team has a lot of positional flexibility and open to competition @MLBNetworkRadio @FantasyAlarm
— Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 (@JimBowdenGM) January 29, 2023
Over four career Minor League seasons, Vargas has only played 28 games (27 starts) at second base. In preparation of potentially joining the Dodgers last year, he began to shift out to left field.
While up with the Dodgers last season Vargas made starts at first base, third base, left field and designated hitter. However, he regularly worked at second base with coaches prior to games.
The Dodgers have a history of moving prospects around in the interest of versatility, which includes just having done so with Gavin Lux. After spending multiple seasons at second base, Lux is expected to take on the every day role at his natural shortstop position.
Miguel Vargas ranked among top third base prospects
Although Vargas appears to be in line for a position change, he was recently ranked by MLB Pipeline as the No. 5 third base prospect.
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