What Will Miguel Vargas' 2024 Look Like With the Dodgers?

Is there a role for him on this year's squad?

As we turn the page on last season, Miguel Vargas is looking toward making 2024 a good one. 

Once considered among the best prospects in the Dodgers' farm system, Vargas was plugged in as the team's starting second baseman last year. Struggles at the plate coupled with general inconsistency led to Vargas being sent down to Triple-A. He never made a return to the Big Leagues after that demotion. 

In 2024, Gold Glove outfielder Mookie Betts has since moved to second base spot. Gavin Lux has returned to shortstop, Max Muncy is entrenched at third base, and free agent acquisition Teoscar Hernandez is projected to be the team's starting left fielder. 

Where does Vargas fit into the equation? 

Manager Dave Roberts touched on Vargas during a Spring Training scrum in Arizona: 

"Vargy’s looked much better than he did last year. Last year was kind of just jumping in with both feet. This year in the offseason, he had a chance to prepare for it. Physically, he looks great. Very linear athlete, but his jumps on the ball have been great. And his effort, the work that he’s put in, it’s showing. His swing right now, mechanically, is in a lot better spot. He looks really good. We’re always gonna bet on his bat.”

— Dodgers manager Dave Roberts

Vargas hit .195 last year with 7 HRs and 32 RBIs in 304 PAs. It was his first extended run versus Major League pitching, and it came on the heels of a hairline fracture in his right pinkie finger that he suffered in spring training.

Vargas' positional versatility still exists. The fact the front office held onto him (and traded left-handed hitting prospect Michael Busch) lends itself to the notion that the Dodgers still believe in Vargas and his upside. 

This is what Roberts had to say about his potential future with the club in the interim:

"I don’t have the crystal ball, but I know that I expect him to be with us at some point. I don’t know when. I don’t know if that means breaking with us but I hope that’s his goal. Just sort of control what you can control. But we still value the player, the bat, and just continuing to improve in left field is important."

— Dodgers manager Dave Roberts