Cody Snavely
Spring Training has officially begun as the first full-squad workout will be held today in Glendale, Arizona.
The Dodgers had an offseason for the ages, bringing in star-studded talent on both sides of the ball. However, it has also blocked potential spots for younger position players like Miguel Vargas.
In a recent update by Dodgers insider Juan Toribio, former top prospect Miguel Vargas will be heading to camp as a left fielder.
Why the transition for Vargas?
The idea of Miguel Vargas playing left field is not new, as Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes explained the possibility back in November during the GM meetings.
Gomes explained that as the offseason played out, it was possible that Vargas and former teammate Michael Busch would get playing time in the outfield.
During the Winter Meetings, it was announced by Dave Roberts that Mookie Betts would transition to being the Dodgers primary second basemen in 2024. The position Vargas had secured Opening Day in 2023.
Third base, which is now fully occupied by Max Muncy for the next two seasons. And possibly 2026 if the team picks up his $10 million club-option.
The Dodgers could have used the DH slot to rotate Muncy and Vargas. However, since the team inked Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year $700 million contract. Ohtani will be the team’s primary DH for 2024 as he recovers from elbow surgery.
In short, Miguel Vargas simply does not have a spot on the roster as an infielder.
Does Vargas fit on the 26-man roster?
The chance for a spot on the Dodgers’ potential Opening Day roster grows thin for Vargas.
As the roster is constructed, the Dodgers outfield group includes Jason Heyward, Manuel Margot, James Outman, Teoscar Hernández, and Chris Taylor.
The infield situation is no better as Max Muncy, Gavin Lux, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Miguel Rojas have it locked down. Then you have the two catchers, Austin Barnes and Will Smith.
The Dodgers’ current pitching situation will likely have them roll out a total staff of thirteen arms as they use a hybrid six-man rotation to give extra rest to Tyler Glasnow, Walker Buehler, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Suppose the Dodgers go that route with a 13/13 split that puts the roster at 26—leaving Miguel Vargas as the odd man out.
What is next for Vargas?
The Dodgers will get a good look at how Vargas transitions from the infield to the outfield. Left field is usually where the weaker fielders go to play, but Vargas has had some experience in the position throughout the minors.
If Vargas does not make the team’s Opening Day roster, expect him to start every day in left field in triple-a. This is how Vargas will continue his development and get everyday at-bats.
Injuries are bound to happen, and the moment one player goes down, Vargas will likely be the next option for a call-up. Vargas has two minor league options remaining.
Vargas will be a name heard throughout trade rumors this season as the Dodgers will likely be active to put the final touches on their roster come July.
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