Los Angeles Dodgers position players reported to Camelback Ranch on Tuesday morning for their official start of Spring Training. Among them was Miguel Vargas, who was the Dodgers’ Opening Day second baseman last season.
A highly touted Dodgers prospect heading into the 2023 season, Vargas dealt with multiple injuries in the early going and struggled to find a rhythm at the plate and with learning a new position.
Vargas hit .195/.305/.367 through 256 plate appearances and was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City in July. With the Dodgers’ middle infield largely set with the likes of Miguel Rojas, Gavin Lux, Mookie Betts and potentially Chris Taylor, Vargas needed a new role if he hopes to make an impact with the team.
According to Juan Toribio of MLB.com, Vargas reported to Dodgers Spring Training as a left fielder:
Miguel Vargas is coming into Spring Training as a left fielder.
While Vargas is again learning another new position, he got some experience in left field with OKC last season. Rojas was key to helping Vargas in his adjustment to second base, and former Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier is in camp this year to help provide instruction to the group.
Vargas has a tough task in front of him as established MLB veterans Jason Hayward, Teoscar Hernández, Manuel Margot and Taylor among the outfield picture as well.
Depending on how many outfielders the Dodgers elect to carry on their active roster, the 24-year-old could be on the outside looking in.
How Miguel Vargas can make Dodgers’ Opening Day roster
If there is one key aspect with the Dodgers’ organizational philosophy, it is they value positional versatility.
Taylor, who is entering the third season of a four-year, $60 million contract, is a prime example. Throughout his career with the Dodgers, Taylor has fulfilled the super utilityman role extraordinarily well, which allowed him to get at-bats and develop even without a full-time position.
Vargas doesn’t need to become exactly like Taylor and play all over the field, but being able to play outfield would provide Dodgers manager Dave Roberts with more flexibility and aid his cause to be on the roster.
A good showing at the plate and in the field during Spring Training could force the organization to find a roster spot for Vargas.
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