Former Los Angeles Dodger Miguel Vargas was named to his first MLB All-Star Game this year, and the infielder, now with the Chicago White Sox, still has plenty of support here in Southern California.
Vargas, who played 129 games for the Boys in Blue between 2022 and 2024, was a star in the Dodgers’ minor league system.
He even was named an All-Star in Double-A in 2021.
Though he and the Dodgers parted ways two years ago, Vargas left a strong positive impression.
Dave Roberts is ‘very happy’ for Vargas
Dodgers Nation’s Noel Sanchez asked manager Dave Roberts what he thought about Vargas making the MLB All-Star team for the first time, and Doc was full of praise for his former player.
“I’m very excited for Miguel,” Roberts said. “He’s a great young man, he’s having a great year, and he’s worked really hard. He’s worked really hard on his offense, his defense, and he’s having a great year. They’re having a great year as a team, so I’m very happy for him.”
While Vargas never excelled for the Dodgers — he slashed .201/.294/.364/.658 in his career in blue, with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs — he made a huge impression as a minor leaguer.
In 2021 with the Great Lakes Loons and Tulsa Drillers, he was awarded the organization’s Branch Rickey Minor League Player of the Year Award.
That big league potential turned to value for the Dodgers, as Vargas was traded as part of the deal that brought Tommy Edman to LA.
How did Miguel Vargas react to being named an All-Star?
Now in Chicago, Vargas has excelled at the plate and in the field this year.
He’s in the top 10% of all batters in metrics like expected slugging percentage, expected weighted on base percentage, chase %, walk rate and barrel percentage, according to Baseball Savant.
Speaking in the White Sox clubhouse, Vargas reflected on how far he’s come.
“I just want to appreciate every single person in this room,” he said. “A couple of years ago, I never believed I could enjoy the game anymore. I found out that you guys proved me wrong, what I have experienced this year has been unbelievable. I have no words to describe this.”
