Meet The New Guys: Daniel Vogelbach

Daniel Vogelbach (age 27) is the newest member of the Toronto after being acquired from Seattle for cash considerations on August 23rd. The 2019 all-star first baseman was designated for assignment by the Mariners after starting the 2020 campaign on a horrid streak, and will primarily be used as a buy low turnaround project for the team.

In 2019 Vogelbach hit 30 home runs with a .208 batting average. Other than power, his main skill comes in the form of getting on base, as just like Cavan Biggio, Vogelbach has incredible plate vision. Despite the low .208 average in 2019, his OBP was .341, which makes up for the lack of hits. To compare, Lourdes had a .277 average last year, but finished 14 points lower with an OBP of .327.

Although the team got a high potential player in a buy low situation, many are still questioning what the acquisition means for the future of the team at 1B. Currently the team has Guerrero Jr. starting, with Rowdy Tellez (who exclusively plays first) on the bench. The crowded position has led many to believe that a Tellez trade could be in order for some starting pitching help.

Tellez and Vogelbach share a very similar playing style as power first hitting left handed first baseman. Both are also primarily platoon options, as they struggle vs left handed pitching, but destroy right handers. Vogelbach separates himself by his ability to get on base, as despite the slow start to the season, he is expected to find himself in the lineup regularly in a DH role while the team attempts to right his ship. On the year he has a .094 batting average, but is still getting on base exactly a quarter of the time. He also has 2 home runs and 4 RBI over 53 at bats.

Despite the poor start in 2020, the team clearly has confidence in their ability to bring the 2019 all-star back to form. He is likely a long term acquisition for the Jays, but could have a significant impact to the rest of the 2020 season if given the opportunity. He doesn’t have any minor league options remaining, so he will have to remain with the major league club, or risk being passed through waivers. Expect to find him in the middle of the order leading up to the trade deadline as the team tries to figure out if he truly fits, or if they need to move on by August 31st.