Soon after Miguel Rojas was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, he revealed prospects Diego Cartaya and Miguel Vargas contacted him to express interest in working out with the veteran infielder.
That’s already come to fruition for Vargas, as he and Rojas shared a video clip from a training session. In the video, originally posted by a coach who recently conducted a camp with Vargas providing instruction, the heralded Dodgers prospect is fielding grounders along with Rojas.
Rojas is regarded for being strong defensively, which helped pave the way to becoming the starting shortstop for the Miami Marlins. With the Dodgers, however, he’s expected to fill more of a utility role with Gavin Lux assuming everyday shortstop duties.
Meanwhile, Vargas is looking to establish himself with the Dodgers after making his MLB debut last season and appearing in 18 games. He was included on their playoff roster for the National League Division Series but did not play against the San Diego Padres.
Miguel Vargas and @MRojasOfficial started working out together.https://t.co/Rkiu4xaHe5 pic.twitter.com/qta1KU7gPv
— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) January 31, 2023
Vargas hit .304/.402/.511 with 17 home runs, 82 RBI, 99 runs scored and 16 stolen bases in 112 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City last year. He earned a selection to the Pacific Coast League All-Star Team and represented the Dodgers in the MLB All-Star Futures Game.
Miguel Vargas to play second base
The Dodgers find themselves doing a bit of reshuffling due to losing Justin Turner and Trea Turner in free agency, and it includes Vargas being on track to start at second base.
Lux is shifting over to shortstop, and Max Muncy is remaining at third base. That’s despite Muncy previously stating his favorite position is second base.
Playing up the middle will largely be a first for Vargas, who has only played 28 games (27 starts) at second base during his Minor League career.
While up with the Dodgers last season, he started games at first base, third base, left field and designated hitter.
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