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3 Dodgers top prospect favorites off to excellent starts in 2022

By Adam Weinrib |
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 23: Miguel Vargas #71 of the Los Angeles Dodgers follows through on a swing against the Cleveland Guardians during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch on March 23, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 23: Miguel Vargas #71 of the Los Angeles Dodgers follows through on a swing against the Cleveland Guardians during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch on March 23, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Michael Busch (84) Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Michael Busch (84) Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently in flames at the MLB level, but below the surface, some of their top prospects are also proving they’re ready for primetime.

Too much! It’s just too much! Good news overload! Why are you doing this to us?! So sorry, but it’s our solemn duty to inform you that several Dodgers top prospects are also meeting and exceeding their very high expectations at the moment. And there’s nothing you can do about it.

Where are they going to go? When are they going to debut? That’s tomorrow’s worry. For now, it’s fair to sit back and just appreciate what’s bubbling at Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Remember, these paths aren’t always linear. Gavin Lux was all-world, a spectacular talent unearthed from Wisconsin who’d risen to the top of the MLB-wide prospect mountain … until it took him several seasons and a transition from middle infield to a roving role to find his footing (finally!) in 2022.

These top prospects may not be knocking on the door of the bigs like it seems right now (again, you find a place for ’em), but all three seem to be reaching their minor-league peak.

That means great things for the Dodgers’ depth and, yes, an opportunity to assess a reload at the trade deadline.

None of these three players are absolutely untouchable, and all are performing like they’re ready for a promotion in April 2022. Forcing the issue. We love to see it.

3 Dodgers prospects off to hot starts in 2022

3. Michael Busch

Of all the Dodgers prospects strutting their stuff thus far in 2022, Michael Busch is the one who might be forcing the issue the most. He’s 24 years old, an advanced collegiate bat, and he still remains at Double-A as the Dodgers attempt to bide their time in his development process (and, yes, kick his potential promotion down the road).

Busch will spend the full season at 24, but by sometime this summer should probably be pushed to Triple-A, at which point the Dodgers will have to likely decide what their vision is for him long-term. With Max Muncy now firmly entrenched at second, will Busch be a starter for this franchise? Will Muncy move to DH in the not-so-distant future?

If Busch keeps hitting like this — with pop and OBP skills mixed in — he’ll earn a September call-up this fall to at least get the ball rolling.

So far, in nine games and 30 at-bats of repeating the level, Busch is hitting .267, slugging .500 and carrying a .939 OPS with a pair of bombs. He’s also walked nine times in nine games, showing a mastery of Double-A ball after (again) spending a full 107-game season in Oklahoma last year.

Triple-A OKC is within the same state’s borders. Busch has proven, during a very short sprint to start the year, that he’s ready for that challenge, even if LA seems hesitant to let him get so close to the bigs (where he’s effectively blocked).

Stating pitcher Ryan Pepiot #89 of the Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Stating pitcher Ryan Pepiot #89 of the Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2. Ryan Pepiot

Ryan Pepiot to the back end of the MLB rotation when?

If Andrew Heaney’s going to continue to be Cy Young adjacent, he’s going to have to bide his time, but there’s certainly a depth role for him to play during the season’s second half if he keeps this up. Potentially piggybacking for a returning Dustin May? Not to do Dave Roberts’ job for him, but there’s something there.

In a trio of short starts to begin the 2022 season (and conserve his arm somewhat), Pepiot posted a sterling 1.69 ERA at Triple-A OKC, striking out 14 in 10.2 innings with a minuscule 0.84 WHIP. The advanced college arm (like Michael Busch, but with an arm instead of a bat) appears much more comfortable at Triple-A this time around, after encountering his first-ever stumbling block at the level last year.

In 2021, he plateaued, posting an unsightly 7.13 ERA and .305 batting average against in 11 outings at the level after dominating Double-A. Unfortunately, when you make the average Pacific Coast League hitter look like Joe Mauer (career .306 average), that’s probably cause for concern, and indicates you could use a little more seasoning.

So far, the 2022 version of Pepiot (armed with Blake Treinen’s breaker) deserves praise for overcoming last year’s adversity, which could’ve easily spilled over. The Dodgers will want to keep his innings low and arm fresh, but there’s a role for him in the bigs in the second half if this maintains.

Miguel Vargas #71 of the Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Miguel Vargas #71 of the Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

1. Miguel Vargas

22-year-old Miguel Vargas is both the top prospect the Dodgers will be most willing to wait for, and somehow also the one whose raw skills have him knocking on the door the hardest.

There’s no need to rush Vargas one level up — especially not at his age — but it’s noteworthy that he’s currently playing more advanced ball than Busch, and that he’s crushing titanic big-league-level blasts one step away from the majors.

Add in the fact that Justin Turner’s starting spot could easily transition into a “mentorship” role within the next year, and Vargas feels ticketed for 2023, especially as he powerfully gets his feet wet in Oklahoma City.

In 11 PCL games, the Cuban slugger is triple-slashing .250/.340/.455, striking out in just 21.56% of his plate appearances. But the numbers don’t adequately tell the story of what Vargas has brought to the table thus far — again, in just an 11-game cameo at the highest level after solving Double-A last season.

It’s worth watching Vargas’ second dinger of the year from Saturday’s action, which left the yard with an elite 112.7 exit velocity:

That’s why the Dodgers are excited to see Vargas mature as a defensive player, too — because the offense is unmatched and comes naturally.

There will be plenty of time to worry about when and where Vargas can get acclimated to big-league life, and unlike Busch, he likely won’t see game action until next season.

Following up a powerful spring training (against Guardians ace Shane Bieber!) with an excellent start at a new level is big news, though, and proves Vargas hasn’t missed a beat after skipping onto the next step.

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