4 potential Dodgers replacements for Justin Turner after 2022 season

2. Miguel Vargas

Now, here’s where things get interesting. We’re talking about more of a succession plan than a free agent replacement here, but maybe that’s preferable if the Dodgers want to continue the relationship with Turner beyond 2022 regardless?

At some point, top prospect Miguel Vargas seems ticketed for third base. It’s just a matter of when.

Freshly 22 years old, Vargas finished the 2021 season with not just a Double-A cameo, but significant experience at the level, banking 83 games and triple-slashing .321/.386/.523 with 16 bombs.

In other words, he’ll start in Tulsa again when the season opens, but it might not take long before he’s knocking on the door of Triple-A Oklahoma City — and there’s no real reason to keep him on the farm too long if he’s continuing to bash upper-level pitching.

A team with high expectations like the Dodgers won’t hand a rookie the keys to a premium position like third base on Opening Day with no insurance policy, but Turner could be one hell of a tutor in his later years to a kid who’s likely the most impressive threat LA has produced at the hot corner since Adrian Beltre.

Transitions to the next generation are always awkward, but if the Dodgers have Vargas knocking on the door by the deadline, they’ll either have to put him in their 2023 plans or ship him elsewhere. Weaning Turner off third base anyway could give them a great excuse.

Typically, bulked-up shortstop prospects eventually move to third. Vargas, mostly full grown, is already there. It’s nearly time for him to take the next step, and for all baseball fans to learn his name.

Of course … there is one other option that’d be a bit more stereotypically “Dodgers”.