Daniel Vogelbach
Player Data: Age: 30 (12/17/1992) B/T: L/R
Primary Stats: 104 G, 319 PA, .233/.339/.404/.742, 64 H, 13 HRs, 48 RBIs
Advanced Stats: 109 wRC+, 25.4 K%, 13.2 BB%, .282 BABIP, .323 xwOBA, 0.1 fWAR, 0.2 bWAR
2023 Salary: $1.5 million
2023 Review
After a decent half-season performance in 2022 after his arrival from the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Mets exercised their option on Daniel Vogelbach for the 2023 campaign. They had high hopes of him being their everyday starter in the designated-hitter role, especially against right-handed pitchers. Then against lefties, he’d have the day off. However, things did not exactly go according to plan for the Mets and Vogelbach in 2023.
Through the first month of the season, Vogelbach seemed to pick up where he left off in 2022. He was getting on base, though mostly through singles. Of his 13 hits, only three came for extra bases. However, the following month, his power continued a steep downward trend. Further, his strikeout rate shot up to 27.5% from 23.3%, and his batting average dipped to .175 from .271 the previous month.
In mid-June, Vogelbach was benched for a stretch of games, which manager Buck Showalter attributed to a “mental” break. Upon returning, Vogelbach started to pick up the slack at the plate once more and make contact with the ball. He went on a multi-hit game tear in June and July, where he delivered when asked, raising his average for the year to .260. However, his walk rate was down to an alarming 6.1%, which for someone known for getting on base was not a good sign.
With the arrival of Mark Vientos and company, Vogelbach’s time in the designated-hitting role shrunk as the season progressed. He found more success in September at the plate, but his playing time took a big hit.
Vogelbach’s statistics for the season were not pretty. His .427 SLG against righties landed him in the middle of the stat pack for the Mets, which isn’t where you want your designated hitter to place. His strikeout rate was the highest since 2019, and his walk rate was the lowest since 2018. All in all, it was a forgettable year in Queens for Vogelbach.
2024 Outlook
The Mets have a choice to make, and it’s one new president of baseball operations David Stearns has made on Vogelbach before. They can tender him a contract or not. In Milwaukee, Stearns chose not to tender the designated hitter a contract, and it’s very well possible history repeats itself once more.
On the flip side Vogelbach is arbitration-eligible for the final time and most likely won’t warrant a dramatic increase in his contract. The Mets front office will need to determine how they want to proceed with the designated-hitter role, a position that’s been in flux since the role became a permanent fixture in the National League.
Mark Vientos might be the option against lefties or he might get all the at-bats. They might also decide to bring someone in via a free agent signing. Or, they keep Vogelbach around and see if he has anything else in the tank. However, chances are it’s the last we’ve seen of him in Queens.
