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Daniel Vogelbach’s Reasonable Record at Yankee Stadium: How Does It Spell Out for the Yankees to Pursue the New Free Agent?

Published 11/21/2023, 9:35 AM EST

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It is not concealed that the New York Yankees need a lefty. While there is an unimaginable buzz on whom the Yankees will onboard this off-season, one name has found a recent link to the mega-franchise. That’s a name that their NY counterpart, the New York Mets non-tendered on 18th November. Which was the deadline for MLB teams to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players.

The designated hitter of the Mets was declined a contract to 2024. Somehow it came as no surprise to both parties since the power he was supposed to deliver, he failed at. Since his acquisition in the 2022 trade deadline, the left-handed DH has grappled with uncertainty. But now, as a free agent, he might have a chance at changing the course of his career. 

Why Daniel Vogelbach Would Be a Great Fit For the Yankees?

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In another storyline that has been progressing simultaneously, there are perspectives on whether the NYY should grab this opportunity. The Yankees find themselves at a crossroads, calculating potential additions to prop up their roster. The intriguing name that entered their frame of consideration is Daniel Vogelbach. This left-handed slugger, known for his power-hitting against right-handed pitching, has shown a potential for success. Though in limited games at the Yankee Stadium, he has showcased his potential. With that, some questions loom large – Should they make a move to secure Vogelbach’s services in the Bronx? Could he be the missing piece of the puzzle to enhance NY’s offense?

The only substantial evidence that could answer these questions would be Vogelbach’s history. Well, in 2023, Vogelbach struggled to gain any momentum in 2023. He slashed .241/.359/.415 in 159 games overall with the Mets. He hit 19 homers and drove in 73. With that, MLB Trade Rumors predict a $2.6 million for Daniel in 2024. With the plans that the Yanks have, could they plan on onboarding him? 

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If one looks at the Yankees ‘needs’ and the 30-year-old’s ‘skills’, they fit well. What goes further than his success in specific ballparks is the Florida native’s left-handedness. It brings an inherent value to the Yankees’ lineup. Lately, the team has navigated a right-handed-heavy offensive profile, making them somewhat susceptible to matchups against certain pitchers. Vogelbach’s lefty presence could, however, provide a strategic advantage. Considering especially late-game situations, pinch-hitting scenarios, or matchups against right-handed pitchers, this combination might work out. But it is key to begin the pursuit with caution. 

Exercising Their Quest With Caution – The Yankees Can Learn From the Mets

Here’s how it went south for the Mets when Daniel was the DH. The Mets were unable to move on from Daniel Vogelbach for a while now. But they ultimately did. He was among the five folks to whom the team declined a contract offer. The next step has been to figure out how to fill the now-vacant roster spot, which is undoubtedly something to celebrate for a number of reasons.

Finding a direct replacement is needless because Vogelbach’s position with the Mets was somewhat unique in an undesirable sense. He was a DH who doesn’t hit against lefties?! But it does seem like a sensible move for the club to add a left-handed bat on the bench who can provide them with consistent DH at-bats. The Yanks could use this opportunity to tread mindfully.

Learning from others’ mistakes is one thing, but checking the fit within their own team is another. While there is a huge left-handed advantage, there are other i’s and t’s that have to be dotted and crossed. One cannot neglect his defensive limitations. Or a left-handed heavy lineup if the Yanks were to focus only on leftys. Or scanty inconsistencies in offense. Though the team could acquire him for quite an economical price, there is a considerable level of analysis that has to be done considering the team is potentially planning on acquiring names like Juan Soto and Cody Bellinger

The New York Yankees Have Gotten the Ball Rolling – Their Next Move?

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This is a situation where a lot of careful consideration is required. If the Yankees were to give him a contract this winter, it would be quite a gamble with hefty consequences if failed. After a long silence, the Yanks have the ball rolling already. It appears that they have at last discovered a player that they like. They signed Yerry De Los Santos after non-tendering contracts with quite a few members of their team. 

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The Yankees have strengthened their inconsistent defensive setup with the addition of their first new player of the season. It was verified by a tweet from Talkin’ Yanks. The tweet said, “The Yankees have signed Yerry De Los Santos, a sinker-heavy reliever who recorded a 3.33 ERA in 22 games with Pittsburgh last season”. That said, could their next move be with an offender?

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While the Yankees will likely not burn bridges with Daniel, they can also not forget multiple solo home runs that he hurled at the confines of the Yankee stadium while he was with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Mets. Only time will reveal their next move. 

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Written by:

Kanishka Prakash

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"Our identity is forged through consistent actions. True excellence is not a singular act; rather, it is ingrained in our daily habits." Since I was a teen, I learned that the best way I could express myself was by writing.
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Edited by:

Deepanshi Bajaj