Miguel Vargas was among the players who made their MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers this past season, and he certainly looked to capitalize on the opportunity.
The 23-year-old began the year with Triple-A Oklahoma City and was among the prospects to represent the Dodgers in the 2022 Futures Game at Dodger Stadium, along with Diego Cartaya and Bobby Miller.
Vargas was called up to the Majors in early August and he promptly went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI in his debut against the San Francisco Giants. Vargas played in 18 total games for the Dodgers and was included on their National League Division Series roster against the San Diego Padres.
During an appearance on “Starkville,” manager Dave Roberts said Vargas should see an increased role with the Dodgers in 2023:
“Miguel Vargas is somebody who is going to play with us next year a lot. Whether he breaks (camp) with us or not, he’s a homegrown guy, top prospect, he needs a look and needs a runway. So we’re going to do that for him.”
Given the current outlook of the Dodgers roster, there figures to be plenty of opportunities for Vargas to earn more opportunities, whether it be at first base, second base, third base or left field. One possibility that seemingly has been eliminated is designated hitter due to the Dodgers signing J.D. Martinez.
A larger pathway for Vargas was cleared with Justin Turner joining the Boston Red Sox rather than re-signing with the Dodgers.
Roberts voicing confidence in the 23-year-old is hardly a surprise.
“He’s a silent assassin, and I say that as the biggest compliment,” Roberts said of Vargas in September. “He’s got this youthful, boyish smile and disposition, but he is as tough as they come. He was raised in a baseball home, he knows the game inside and out, his baseball acumen is off the charts.
“When he’s in the batter’s box, he thinks that he’s the best option, and that confidence is pretty cool to see. But there’s also humility there. I’m excited to have him. He’s earned it and I expect him to impact us in the short term and also the long term. He should be wearing a Dodger uniform for a long time.”
Miguel Vargas appreciated being on Dodgers’ NLDS roster
Although Vargas didn’t appear in a postseason game, he was grateful for the chance to be around the team during the NLDS.
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