LOS ANGELES — It’s been a wild offseason for many teams around the league. In the National League, the Mets, Braves, Phillies and Cardinals have all gotten significantly better. The same can be said about the Padres, who are making quite the push to narrow the gap in the NL West.
As for the Dodgers, it’s been a relatively quiet offseason. Instead, the winter has brought a lot of change to a team that won 111 games in 2022.
The confidence, however, comes from the young players the Dodgers are prepared to give an extended look at the Major League level next season.
“It’s as talented of a group as I’ve seen,” general manager Brandon Gomes said. “Now it’s about finding time for them without putting too much pressure on them. … It’s a very versatile group.”
Let’s take a look at four of those names, how they fit in, and when you can expect to see them at Dodger Stadium.
Miguel Vargas, INF
ETA: Opening Day
Of the prospect group ready to make an impact, it’s safe to say Vargas is the player that the Dodgers will lean on the most, as early as Opening Day. With both Turners no longer on the team, the Dodgers have huge holes to fill in the infield. Vargas, who has been working out at Dodger Stadium all offseason, is capable of playing second and third base.
Vargas can also play the outfield, although his biggest impact this season will be in the infield, and his defense is still a work in progress. His best position, however, is the batter’s box, and that’s where the Dodgers will need Vargas to show up the most. Vargas hit .170 in 47 at-bats last season, but that should improve with another year of experience and more opportunity.
Gavin Stone, RHP
AGE: Midseason
The next pitcher on this list (keep reading) is the one that dominates the headlines and prospect rankings, but a lot of scouts believe Stone is the best right-handed prospect in the Dodgers’ organization.
Stone began the 2022 season in High-A, but dominated his way to Triple-A by the end of the season. In his three stops this season, Stone went 9-6 with a 1.48 ERA, earning him the honor of Minor League Pitcher of the Year in the Dodgers organization.
If Stone gets off to another hot start next season, you can expect him at Dodger Stadium by the summer.
Bobby Miller, RHP
AGE: Midseason
Miller’s arm talent is undeniable. He flashes triple digits with his four-seam fastball and has three secondary pitches that he can lean on. But now it’s about putting it all together for Miller and proving he can get outs consistently in the Minors.
Between Double-A and Triple-A last season, Miller went 7-7 with a 4.25 ERA. With another year of experience and polishing, the Dodgers are expecting more success from him. If that is indeed the case, the sky’s the limit for Miller.
James Outman, OF
ETA: Opening Day
It was a dream start to Outman’s career, as the 25-year-old hit a homer in his first big league at-bat in Colorado. Over his first two games, Outman was the hottest hitter on the planet, going 5-for-6 with three extra-base hits.
Naturally, that production came down to earth over his last two games, as Outman went 1-for-7 with six strikeouts. His future production is likely somewhere in the middle, which would be a really good result for the Dodgers, especially when you pair it with his plus defense at all three outfield spots.
As of now, Outman will likely be on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster. The club believes he would be ready for that challenge. But if Los Angeles adds another outfielder, which is expected, that could push Outman to the Minors so he can get everyday at-bats. However it lines up, he will make an impact at some point this season.
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