The Dodgers announced that infielder Miguel Vargas has been optioned to Triple-A. Southpaw Bryan Hudson was also optioned, while righty Yency Almonte was reinstated from the paternity list. This leaves Los Angeles with an open spot on its active roster, though Chris Taylor is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list after the All-Star break.
There isn’t much surprise to Vargas’ demotion, as manager Dave Roberts hinted yesterday that a move back to Triple-A might be in the cards for the rookie. A consensus top-50 prospect in baseball, Vargas was one of several youngsters the Dodgers were counting on to fill roster holes, as the team went into 2023 with a mix of proven star veterans and promising minor leaguers. Stepping in as the regular second baseman, Vargas got off to a solid start that wasn’t entirely reflected by his bottom-line numbers, as he was getting plenty of walks and making lots of hard contact without much batted-ball luck to show for it.
However, Vargas’ production has cratered over the last month. Over his last 78 plate appearances, Vargas has hit only .079/.221/.175, with just five hits total. The slump simply became too deep for the Dodgers to ignore, and the 23-year-old will now get at least a brief stint with Triple-A Oklahoma City to try and get himself back on track.
It seems likely that Vargas will be back in the majors at some point this season, though that could depend on how the Dodgers approach the trade deadline. Shortstop and second base are both big target areas, as while Mookie Betts has continued to post MVP-caliber numbers while filling in at both middle infield spots, L.A. probably prefers to see Betts back in his customary right field spot. The versatile Taylor can factor into either middle infield position, but he is struggling through his second consecutive year of underwhelming offensive production.
Vargas hit so well in the minors, expect him back within a month if the alternative is Busch! But maybe the Dodgers will work a trade for a starter, a relief pitcher, and a 2B/OF?
A little trade I like is a 1-1 trade with the Yankees. It wouldn’t be a huge blockbuster but i think it could benefit both sides: A Michael Busch for Clarke Schmidt swap. The Dodgers get a controllable pitching piece and the Yankees get a controllable left-handed hitting infielder.
The Dodgers don’t have a need for young pitching, they have enough.
You can never have enough pitching are you kidding me?
I never said that. At the trade deadline your trading for need. The Dodgers need an innings eater or established ace, not another young pitcher who probably isn’t ready to start a postseason game.
The Dodgers need arms to throw out there. Obviously their biggest need is a #2 that can get them deep in the playoffs but they’ve been hit tremendously with injuries (I believe the #1 or #2 team most hurt by injuries, particularly in the rotation).
The assumption is they go after someone like a Giolito and then add another arm that can eat some innings in August/September. Schmidt has good stuff to do that and then, if need be, move to the pen come October, where he could be deployed as a multi-inning reliever (maybe even high-leverage).
Meanwhile, the Yankees are a very inconsistent, aging offense with Judge, anemic without him. On the year, they are actually a below average offense that can’t get on-base. Busch is a guy who has a track record of strong plate disclipine (albeit in the minors), is a lefty bat, and who you can stick at 3B, 1B, or if need be, 2B.
Schmidt, I believe, has 1 year of service time. And Busch is a rookie but the Dodgers have a loaded farm system and a lot of lefty hitters. So that’s why I chose these two players to match up.
I like the Dodgers trading Gavin Stone OR Ryan Pepiot
to the Cubs for Marcus Stroman AND Mark Leiter.
The Dodgers need a starter and a reliever.
Excellent proposed trade. Cubs might want one more piece, though.
In minors, Busch has an OPS of 0.892 versus 0.878 for Vargas.
Kiké Hernandez back to LA before the trade deadline. The Sox don’t need him and won’t ask for much in return. I could see Kiké getting hot once he’s back on the Dodgers.
Dodgers need guys who can actually hit though.
The Dodgers loved Kike at pre arbitration prices, but at market rates, nobody really wants Kike Hernandez, who’s a role player at best.
Still hits LHP pretty well, and the fans would love to seem him again, but hard to see where he fits in.
with Heyward’s mini-resurgence, I’m not sure moving Mookie back to RF is a huge pressing need
Probably right. Kind of funny, Roberts recently suggested that Mookie’s current offensive tear might be the result of him not having to run the OF, but Mookie disagreed. He said, makes no difference to me.
He’ll be back in September
They’ll 100% get a middle infield piece, preferably one who can play both spots
What MI piece is available that can play 2B and SS and is better than “about to come off the IL” Chris Taylor? Probably none. Taylor and Busch willl play 2B and Taylor and Rojas will play SS. Dodgers will trade non elite prospects for a vet SP that can eat innings.
Giolito is the guy
100%. Nothing is guaranteed to happen, but Giolito to the Dodgers is the most logical move.
Everyone wants Giolito though, he’s the best starter available. The Dodgers will have to beat Everyone else’s prospect package for him, which will get bid up because of sky-rocketing demand and no supply. Which teams could be in on him? Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Reds, Rangers, Astros, Yankees, Orioles at least.
Erod and Lorenzen are available for all your rotation needs. Throw in Baez for your SS or 2B problem. Offence is mehhh but defence this year is great. Sprinkle in some relief help. Some combo of prospects that includes Vargas or Busch and Cartaya back the other way? Don’t overvalue your prospects if you want a pennant!
Haha good luck getting any takers for that Baez contract.
Can’t blame a guy for trying 😉
What is ERod’s status? Is he even throwing off a mound yet or getting out of bed??
He is back pitching. Got shelled his first game back though.
“Don’t overvalue your prospects.” Right….so send several top prospects for a rental pitcher and an overpaid, underperforming jerk like Baez……the Dodgers are not sending those guys for your suggested offering.
I like Vargas as a future second baseman for the Dodgers. I think his problem is that he is too passive l. I like that he is pretty patient at the plate, but over the season he seems to be more hesitant especially when good pitches. I think this is not a bad demotion, but regain confidence/workout the kinks by refreshing his surroundings.
Dodgers need a right handed batter cf
Yes, but I think just a right handed outfielder, not necessarily CF only. I think Grichuk and Pham could be potential targets if made available and wouldn’t cost too much equity. They both have above average offensive stats against LHP for their careers..
CT3 can help cover OF against a LHP on occasion if needed.
As a Cards fan, give me Vargas and Pepiot for Montgomery, Edman, and Carlson
The dodgers need some thump but that’s not unreasonable.