Dodgers Prospects Who Can Still Make an MLB Impact in 2022
Despite some inconsistent play of late, the Los Angeles Dodgers are still on pace to win roughly 100 games and are on the short list of bona fide title contenders.
Even with all their MLB talent, they could still get positive contributions from some of their top prospects before the season is over, whether it's in a supporting role or stepping into an opportunity created by injury.
Ahead, we've highlighted three prospects who can still make an MLB impact in 2022, focusing solely on players who have not yet appeared in the majors this year.
Prospects who have already seen MLB action in 2022: RHP Michael Grove, RHP Ryan Pepiot
2B Michael Busch
1 of 3
The No. 31 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Michael Busch shifted from playing first base and corner outfield at North Carolina to manning second base to begin his pro career.
He spent the entire 2021 season at Double-A, where he posted an .870 OPS with 27 doubles and 20 home runs in 107 games, and he returned to that level at the start of this season, though he didn't stay for long.
The 24-year-old hit .306/.445/.667 with 11 home runs and 29 RBI in 31 games to start the year before he was promoted to Triple-A, and while he has cooled off a bit since moving up a level, there is little doubt he can hit.
He could eventually supplant Hanser Alberto in a bench role while also pushing for semi-regular playing time at second base and designated hitter.
RHP Bobby Miller
2 of 3
Armed with a high-octane 70-grade fastball that touches triple digits and a terrific slider, Bobby Miller has the most electric stuff in the Dodgers farm system.
The 23-year-old is pitching at Double-A Tulsa, where he has a 4.79 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 41.1 innings, but expect to see him on the MLB roster after he turned heads during spring training.
"He threw the best two back field innings I’ve ever seen. It was 99-101. There was no fastball below 99. The changeup and the slider were both plus or flashed plus. It was strikes," one scout told Kyle Glaser of Baseball America this spring. "I mean, it was a Triple-A game, but he faced Ryder Jones and Patrick Kivlehan and guys with big league time and no one had a (expletive) chance against him."
The Dodgers started Julio Urias and Walker Buehler in relief roles when they first reached the majors, and they could take a similar approach with Miller later this year.
3B Miguel Vargas
3 of 3
With Justin Turner (234 PA, 74 OPS+, .211 BA) and Max Muncy (188 PA, 71 OPS+, .153 BA) both struggling at the plate, third base has become something of a dead spot offensively for the Dodgers.
How much longer before they consider making a move to Miguel Vargas?
The No. 46 prospect in baseball on B/R's recently updated Top 100 list, Vargas will not turn 23 years old until November, yet he's already playing at Triple-A where he's hitting .279/.373/.481 with 11 doubles, 10 home runs and 43 RBI in 59 games.
He has seen some time at first base and second base, but the bulk of his playing time has come at the hot corner, and he could be the long-term answer at the position.
All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and accurate through Tuesday's games.
.png?w=256)
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
