Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — Miguel Vargas has had ups in downs in his limited time at the major-league level, but there are signs that he is figuring things out. However, one place that we need not worry about such things is Oklahoma City. After a spectacular season with the Dodgers’ minor league affiliate, Vargas has been recognized for his accomplishments. On Tuesday, the publication Baseball America named the Dodgers infielder as their triple-A player of the year.
Vargas’s minor league numbers speak for themselves. In 113 games at OKC, Vargas hit .304 with a OPS of .915. His 133 hits on the year include 17 homers, 32 doubles, and 4 triples, and Vargas drove in 82 runs. And, according to Baseball America, “Vargas was one of just 11 prospects in the minor leagues to bat 350 times and top these thresholds: .300 average, .400 on-base percentage and .500 slugging.”
In the majors, it’s been a bit of a mixed bag for Vargas. He’s had 8 hits in 45 big-league at-bats, which pencils out to a .178 average. But, he’s had a few big moments — most recently in the last road game of the year down in San Diego on September 22. With two outs in the sixth inning, Vargas smacked a two-run single into center that broke a tie and gave the Dodgers the win.
Whether or not he makes the postseason roster might depend on the availability of Chris Taylor, who’s still having trouble with a neck issue. However, even if he’s season is done on October 5, his future with this organization is bright.
We talked with Miggy about his life as a Dodger prospect earlier this season on the Bleed Los podcast. Check out his full interview here.
