Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Miguel Vargas Passes on Opportunity to Play for Cuba in WBC

The Los Angeles Dodgers young prospects will get plenty of opportunities this season, as LA opted to go with the “youth movement” this offseason. LA’s highly touted pitchers, Ryan Pepiot and Michael Grove are set to get some significant playing time in 2023, along with LA’s number three overall prospect, Miguel Vargas.

Vargas got some starts at the tail-end of 2022; he even recorded his first-ever home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in September.



The versatile defender now has high hopes with the Boys in Blue, which is why he decided not to play for his country in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The young slugger said this year wasn’t the right time, but he would love to represent his country at the next opportunity.

The 23-year-old was an international free agent that the Dodgers signed from Cuba. He is now among one of the best overall prospects in the major leagues (#37) and is among the favorites to win NL Rookie of The Year.

According to vegasinder.com, Miguel Vargas has the second-best odds to win RoTY tied with New Yorks Mets pitcher Kodai Senga at +900. Arizona Diamondbacks rookie Corbin Carroll is the favorite to win the award at +350.

Vargas struggled in his debut in the majors, only batting .170 in 47 ABs and a .455 OPS. However, with significant playing time on the horizon for Vargas, he could very well showcase his skills and show why he belongs among the top 50 prospects list.

His primary position starting Opening Day will most likely be at second base, and we can’t wait to see how he produces in an entire 162-game season.

Ricardo Sandoval

Born and Raised in the East side of Los Angeles. Ricardo is a staff writer at Dodgers Nation and on the LA Sports Report network of sites. He's also a lifelong Dodgers and Lakers fan. Ricardo is an alumnus of CSUN (Go Matadors).

One Comment

  1. There will be at least 1 or 2 MLB guys going down with injuries in the WBC….. But whom? We can scratch Kershaw off this list now I assume. Lol I was so glad to have him on there, but scared!

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