Los Angeles Dodgers: Top Prospect To Watch In 2023

Miguel Vargas, a top prospect for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is one of the most exciting young players to watch this season.

Originally from Cuba, Vargas started his career as an amateur player and played a significant role in his team's victory at the 2014 15-and-under World Cup, where he drove in the gold medal-winning run against Team USA's Hunter Greene.

Vargas defected from Cuba with his father in 2015 and signed with the Dodgers for $300,000 two years later.

Miguel Vargas drove his first homer of the spring pic.twitter.com/2g4tC6wMco

— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) March 17, 2023

Since then, Vargas has established himself as one of the best hitters in the Dodgers' system, boasting a career batting average of .313 in the minors. He's known for his elite bat-to-ball skills, excellent control over the strike zone, and the ability to handle fastballs and breaking balls with ease.

Although he's primarily a hitter, his bat speed, strength, and ability to make hard contact suggest that he could produce 20-25 home runs per season.

Vargas has also worked on improving his speed, athleticism, and defense, which has impressed Dodgers' management. He's comfortable playing at third, second, and first base, as well as left field, and has fringy-to-average range, solid arm strength, and good athleticism.

Miguel Vargas has certainly been looking the part at second. pic.twitter.com/jEspiibRiG

— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) March 6, 2023

At just 23 years old, Vargas is considered a favorite for the NL Rookie of the Year Award and is expected to make a significant impact on the Dodgers' team in the upcoming season.

Although there were discussions of starting Vargas at third base, the Dodgers have now confirmed that he will play second base, and team manager Dave Roberts is already impressed with what he's seen. Vargas's athleticism and incredible plays have made him stand out, although there is still room for improvement.

Three days of real at-bats for Miguel Vargas, three doubles

This one is Vargas' second hit of the game #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/2UfqFmYnAx

— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) March 11, 2023

The 23-year-old holds a career .304/.404/.511 triple-slash line, 49 home runs, 265 RBIs, 47 stolen bases and 309 runs scored across 410 minor-league games.

Vargas is the No. 3 ranked prospect for the Dodgers and the 37th-ranked prospect in all of baseball. Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports