The Los Angeles Dodgers traded for Cavan Biggio by sending Minor League pitcher Braydon Fisher to the Toronto Blue Jays, who included cash considerations in the deal as well.
Biggio had been designated for assignment last week despite still having Minor League options available. The presumption was Biggio declined a Minor League assignment, which was within his right as a player with at least five years of Major League service time.
Trading for Biggio brings the Dodgers’ 40-man roster full but required a decision as to how add the 29-year-old to the active roster.
According to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times, the Dodgers plan to option Miguel Vargas to Triple-A Oklahoma City before Wednesday’s game against the Texas Rangers:
Cavan Biggio is expected to be at Dodger Stadium and active for tonight's game, per sources
Miguel Vargas is being optioned back to the minors https://t.co/OXG2sxYaE2
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) June 12, 2024
Vargas joined the Dodgers roster on May 17 as part of a flurry of moves involving position players. James Outman was optioned to Triple-A and Max Muncy landed on the 10-day injured list due to a right oblique strain, while Jason Heyward was activated.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts credited Vargas for performing well at the Triple-A level this season and thus earning an opportunity to join the team, but his at-bats wound up being sporadic.
Vargas appeared in just eight (six starts) of 22 games since getting recalled, but did go 5-for-20 with three doubles, one home run and four RBI during that stretch.
What has worked against Vargas, however, is only being able to play left field and having Minor League options still available. The Dodgers value Kiké Hernández’s versatility, and that of Chris Taylor, who also is owed in the neighborhood of $22 million through the 2025 season.
Does Miguel Vargas have future on Dodgers roster?
The Dodgers carving out a consistent role for Vargas this season does not appear likely, but he could factor more prominently in their plans next year and moving forward.
Teoscar Hernández is due to become a free agent — but already expressed interest in re-signing — and Heyward also is going to hit the open market. Even if re-signing Hernández, who has a preference to play right field, the Dodgers could pencil Vargas into left field as a regular starter or part of a platoon.
Vargas began the 2023 season as the Dodgers’ starting second baseman but struggled mightily and wound up getting optioned to Oklahoma City midway through the year.
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