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We’re getting closer and closer to the 2022 MLB trade deadline. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen the Mets mentioned in plenty of reports and rumors around a number of different players.
One thing that has become abundantly clear is that Billy Eppler and company are looking for an upgrade at designated hitter. Some of the names already mentioned have been Josh Bell, Nelson Cruz, Andrew Benintendi, C.J. Cron, and others.
It appears a new name you can add to that list of potential options is Daniel Vogelbach. According to MMO’s own Michael Mayer, the Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates have had trade conversations revolving around the big slugger.
While Vogelbach wouldn’t quite be the big name splash some fans are hoping for, he would be a solid addition to this Mets ball club. His overall numbers this season (.228/.338/.430) aren’t too pretty, but where Vogey has shined is against right-handed pitching.
On the year, he’s hit all 12 of his home runs and has 10 doubles, a .365 OBP, .869 OPS, 132 OPS+, and 149 wRC+ against righties. Additionally, he has a 32.7% flyball rate and a 14.4% walk rate, which currently ranks in the 97th percentile in baseball.
The 29-year-old Vogelbach has just a $1.5 million club option for the 2023 season left on his current contract, so he likely wouldn’t cost all too much. Even if he were to be used in just a platoon role, he’d certainly be an upgrade over the likes of J.D. Davis and Dominic Smith.
Vogelbach is a proven veteran slugger who gets on base a ton, hits the ball very hard, and absolutely mashes against right-handed pitching. He certainly wouldn’t be a bad place for the Mets to start with their trade deadline acquisitions.
