Among the excess of problems plaguing the Mets during a disappointing 2023 campaign was the poor performance of starting designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach. However, when Manager Buck Showalter, who was relieved of his position a the conclusion of the Mets season’, was ready to deploy other options at DH, General manager Billy Eppler intervened and forced him to regularly play the 30-year-old, according to a report from Mike Puma of the New York Post.

Vogelbach was the primary Mets’ DH against right-handed pitchers in the 2023 season. Although Vogelbach did draw walks and post a good OBP, he failed to hit for power and presented nothing on the basepaths or in the field. Vogelbach struggled mightily in the early portion of the season. In the month of May, he had an OPS of .582 and after a poor performance against the Braves on June 7, his OPS sunk to .639 on the season, leading to him receiving time off, according to Puma.

Daniel Vogelbach. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

While Vogelbach’s performance at the plate was underwhelming, Showalter’s desire to try other options was not purely about on-field production, according to the report.

“Part of the manager’s opposition to Vogelbach was philosophical: Showalter viewed the DH spot as one that should be used on a rotation, allowing position players a partial rest while remaining in the lineup,” wrote Puma. Additionally, Puma reports that Showalter felt that due to Vogelbach’s combination of unexceptional power and lack of speed, he was not worth regularly including in the lineup even when he was getting on base.

After Vogelbach was not traded ahead of the MLB trade deadline, the report notes that Showalter began openly questioning why Vogelbach was still on the team, but was shut down by Eppler. “Not only was Vogelbach still on the team, but the source indicated the manager was told by Eppler to keep him in the starting lineup.” Puma reported.

By September, the 2023 season was completely lost, and the youth movement was in full swing, with the team focusing on playing the likes of Mark Vientos, Brett Baty,and the recently-promoted Ronny Mauricio, finally decreasing Vogelbach’s playing time. Vogelbach only received 21 at-bats in the seasons final month and finished with an OPS of .742 and 13 home runs for the season.

New President of Baseball Operations David Stearns had Vogelbach on his roster during his time with the Milwaukee Brewers and will have the ultimate decision over his Mets future. Vogelbach is in his final season of arbitration eligibility and it will be Stearns’ decision whether or not to tender him a contract for the 2024 season.