The Los Angeles Dodgers intend to provide Miguel Vargas and several other young prospects and players an opportunity to assume a significant role this season, which is part of the reason why they were comfortable letting notable veterans depart in free agency.
Vargas made his MLB debut last year after an impressive campaign with Triple-A Oklahoma City that saw him participate in the 2022 Futures Game at Dodger Stadium.
Although he is a corner infielder by trade, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman recently revealed Vargas will likely play second base this season.
However, that has not been explicitly relayed to the 23-year-old and he is preparing to take on any role the Dodgers may potentially ask him, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
The Dodgers haven’t told him directly that he will play second base, Vargas said, “But I’m ready for it.”
“Things could change. Things can change by the time we get out of here and get to the regular season,” Vargas said. “I just want to get ready, focus on doing everything I can to be ready. Then when that opportunity presents itself, be ready for that.”
Over four career Minor League seasons, Vargas has only played 28 games (27 starts) at second base. While up with the Dodgers last year, he made starts at first base, third base, left field and designated hitter, and regularly worked at second base with coaches prior to games.
The Dodgers have a history of moving prospects around in the interest of versatility, including Gavin Lux, who is the favorite to start at shortstop this season.
Miguel Vargas working out with J.D. Martinez & Miguel Rojas
As Vargas gets ready for his first full Major League season, he has been working closely with Miguel Rojas and J.D. Martinez in recent weeks. In separate videos, Vargas was seen fielding grounders with Rojas and taking batting practice with Martinez.
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