Dodgers Team News

Miguel Vargas Entering Dodgers Camp as Left Fielder, Learning From LA Legend

Miguel Vargas is reportedly coming into camp as a left fielder, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com. The Dodgers’ Opening Day second baseman in 2023 finished the season in Triple-A, and is now undergoing a position change heading into the 2024 season.

Vargas, 24, was one of the biggest names at Dodgers camp last season.



The team’s No. 5 prospect last year was set to get everyday playing time in the infield, and make a case to be the team’s second baseman of the future.

Vargas sustained a finger injury in spring training that didn’t allow him to swing a bat, and he ended up struggling to open the season.

By July, he was hitting just .195, and was optioned to Triple-A to try to get back on track. He wouldn’t make it back to the big leagues for the rest of the season.

This offseason, Mookie Betts was named the Dodgers’ everyday second baseman. With Max Muncy at third base and Freddie Freeman locking up first base, there’s no room in the infield for Vargas.

The Dodgers were reportedly having both Vargas and Michael Busch work out in the outfield, but with Busch now on the Chicago Cubs, Vargas has an opportunity to become a future everyday outfielder for Los Angeles.

David Vassegh of AM570 reports that Vargas has been working with longtime Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier, who was giving him tips on how to play left field.

Where Does Miguel Vargas Fit With the Dodgers?

At this point in the offseason, Vargas is the 27th man on a 26-man roster.

If an injury occurs to any of the team’s outfielders — James Outman, Jason Heyward, Chris Taylor, Teoscar Hernández, Manuel Margot — Vargas would likely be the first player called up.

Until then, though, Vargas is expected to open the season in Triple-A, where he’ll hope to get off to a hot start with the bat.

The 2024 season will be the most important of Vargas’ young career. If he wants to stay in Los Angeles, he’ll need to prove he belongs at a new position.

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Noah Camras

Noah is an Editor for Dodgers Nation. He graduated from USC in 2022 with a B.A. in Journalism and minor in Sports Media Studies. He's been a Dodger fan his whole life, and his all-time favorite Dodgers are Matt Kemp and Russell Martin.

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