While the Los Angeles Dodgers roster had multiple questions regarding roles heading into the 2023 season, second base was not among them as Miguel Vargas was penciled in as the starter at second base.
That was a mild surprise considering Vargas primarily rose through the Dodgers farm system as a third baseman, logging 631.2 innings at the position for Triple-A Oklahoma City last year. Rather than have Vargas continue his development as a third baseman, the Dodgers decided on Max Muncy taking over for Justin Turner.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and the front office believed in Vargas’ athleticism enough to trust him defensively in the middle of the infield. And according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group, Vargas said he found a rhythm with the position change thanks to the help of Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel, among others:
Vargas said he has also been working with Dodgers coach Dino Ebel this winter as well as Placido Polanco, a special advisor in the Dodgers’ front office who won three Gold Gloves during his playing career – two at second base and one at third. He is the only player to have won Gold Gloves at multiple infield positions.
“They’ve helped me a lot and now I feel a lot more comfortable playing second,” Vargas said.
Along with Ebel and Placido Polanco, Vargas also worked with Miguel Rojas during the offseason and throughout Spring Training. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts raved on multiple occasions during camp about the impact Rojas was having not only on Vargas but the entire team.
While there have been occasional growing pains with Vargas, he’s largely played a steady second base and showed off some of his athleticism that’s needed at the position due to defensive shifts being restricted.
Miguel Vargas worked with J.D. Martinez
Signing a one-year contract by the Dodgers, J.D. Martinez is a fantastic piece to the clubhouse with how much knowledge he possesses in the batter’s box.
The 12-year veteran and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner was seen participating in offseason hitting with Vargas, which has been touted as another key for his development.
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