Dodgers: Rookie Miguel Vargas Puts Focus on LA Over WBC and Representing Cuban Team

Although he would love to represent his home country in the future, Vargas is utilizing all his time this preparing for the season.

As the Dodgers’ youth movement is expected to take off in 2023, the team is looking to utilize Miguel Vargas’ talents. The prospect has already caught the eyes of many and fans are excited to see how the 23-year-old will perform this season.

In 2020, Vargas batted .304/.404/.511 with Oklahoma City and was also voted Best MLB Prospect in the Triple-A Pacific League. Last season, Vargas displayed potential, slashing .170/.200/.255 with a .455 OPS in 47 at-bats in the majors. He is focusing all his time on showing out for the Dodgers and even chose to not play for the Cuban Team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Although representing his home country is a future goal of his, Vargas said that now is not the right timing. 

Miguel Vargas said he was offered the chance to play for Cuba in the WBC. He declined to focus on his rookie year but said he wants to play for Cuba in the future. His father, Lázaro Vargas, starred on the Cuban national team. This is the first time defectors can play for Cuba.

— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) February 16, 2023

The Dodgers initially signed Vargas from Cuba as an international free agent. Since then, Vargas has garnered a lot of attention and was even named to MLB’s top 5 up-and-coming third basemen. With all the hype surrounding him, the young player is expected to win NL Rookie of the Year.

Vargas has some of the best hit tools in his class and although he has room to grow defensively, he has shown the discipline to succeed at a high level.

As he continues to get more opportunities this upcoming season, Vargas is hoping to live up to all the expectations.