The Brewers announced this evening that they have non-tendered both first baseman Daniel Vogelbach and right-handed pitcher John Curtiss. The power-swinging Vogelbach was projected to receive a $2MM salary through arbitration (by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz), which the team likely viewed as redundant with a fellow lefty bat on hand in Rowdy Tellez.
Claimed off waivers from Toronto during the 2020 season, Vogelbach’s bat erupted for a 161 OPS+ during a 19-game stint with the Brewers last season. His .219/.349/.381 slash line this year, however, registered slightly below the league average (97 OPS+). The 28-year-old continued to hit the ball with authority this year and even cut his strikeout rate to a personal best 22.1%, but his defensive limitations and middling offensive performance were enough for the budget-conscious Brewers to move on. The lefty slugger can be controlled through 2025 via arbitration if he latches on with another Major League team this winter.
The right-handed Curtiss came over to Milwaukee in a last-minute deal with the Marlins this past July. The deal proved ill-fated for both the Brewers and Curtiss after just six appearances out of the bullpen, as the reliever yielded six runs and headed to the injured list with a torn UCL. The 28-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery in September and is unlikely to see action on a Major League roster until 2023, at the earliest. Dating back to 2020 Curtiss carries a 2.86 ERA across 69 innings and will remain a high-upside reliever play for teams if his recovery goes as planned. The Brewers now have 36 players on their 40-man roster.
Ok. Why not trade him if his salary is $2M?
I figured he was worth a couple million. Even if they don’t want him they could trade him at that price.
Because his talent and ability aren’t that good, so maybe nobody offered anything for him.
If only they had manipulated his at bats to keep the salary down, teams would have been willing to give something for him…
Who would want him? Guy is trash.
My Rec softball league could use him
Nah not trash, just needs proper adjustments. Could be a decent DH, or at least depth
By adjustment, you mean counting a few calories?
I was glad when Seattle got rid of him. He has no value on the field and doesn’t hit enough to be just a DH. Part of his breakdown when he came to Seattle was slow feet and short arms. Good we just traded for a below par fielder that hits homers or Ks and an occasional pop up.
Zero trade value and can be had on a minor league contract. Why pay $2 million and give up a lotto ticket for that
It takes two to tango BuddyBoy
To who? He’s already been cut. He’s a platoon DH. What if there’s no NL DH?
Bitter sweet I liked voggy but Tellez is the man
Would love to see the Red Sox pick up Vogelbach
They don’t need another DH
No, but lefty 1B to platoon with Dalbec, and just lefty power bat off the bench in general. Essentially what Shaw was down the stretch. Especially if they don’t bring Schwarber back.
Bitter sweet, loved Voggy but Tellez is too good
The picture of him used in this article is a live look at his face when he found out he was non-tendered lol.
Who will the Brewers replace him with on their O line?
Mark Tauscher, or Braun Strowman
I think you mean “and”. The Babe and pancakes go hand in hand, in both senses.
Manny I think it’s Adam Scherr now unfortunately. Should still be Braun in my opinion.
I can never remember his real name.
Speaking of rec league softball..his dad is a legend I believe.
I would believe it. I think he plays too. Have him go against Psycho Sid in a HR Derby
I have said from the first swing I saw was he swung like one of the fat beer league players that hit a HR or lazy fly ball. That 3/4 swing is odd how someone hasn’t fixed it yet is odd. There might be too much fluff in the way though.
YES thank you now find a way to get rid of JBJ!!!!!
Yankees written all over it.
Can see him going to the Angels for absolutely no reason.
They will convert him to a SP they are so desperate.
He was planning on buying a treadmill but without a contract might have to wait until xmas.
is Curtiss hurt or something? He seems like a pretty solid pitcher, and I go on his BRef page, and his whole career looks like he has sporadic appearances/games played… I haven’t looked at his MLBTR projection, but again, unless he’s injured, looks like a pretty solid RP…
TJS.
Read the article
cardinal killer
Schwarb heavy! You shall be missed, along with those balls you swung at.
Memory Lane: With apologies to Cardinals fans, Vogelbach’s walk-off grand slam against Reyes was one of the most exhilarating moments of the 2021 season. A five cheeseburger rating for that one.
mlb.com/video/vogelbach-s-walk-off-grand-slam
Christian Yelich saying goodbye to his non-tendered teammate.
YELICH: Vogey. I heard you got non-tendered and feel awful.
VOGEY: Thanks, Chris. But I already have a new position within the organization.
YELICH: Really? Doing what?
VOGEY: Beer man.
YELICH: You’re gonna be a beer vendor?
VOGEY: No, a beer customer.
He suck he been with 3 team in few years he just a fast guy with big swings
Well said…… Eeek
Vogelbach will be a Cub type of signing… Inaurance IN case Schwindel was a one year wonder..
I have doubts the Cubs will want him back.
Vogelbach should eat more like a vogel.
With his baseball career in limbo, Vogelbach will now audition for the John Candy role in a theater production of Stripes.
He both “hit the ball with authority” and had a “middling offensive performance” this year? It was definitely the latter, at best.
When the Mariners released vogeybomb I was soo happy I didn’t have to see him hacking like he was swinging a pinatas full of tasty juice meat.
He wasn’t very good as a Brewer but i will always remember a couple minutes after getting in my car to drive home from my first chess tournament I turned on the radio right as he was hitting that walkoff GS against the Cards. The stars were aligning that day…
@joepanikatthedisco, I was watching that ninth inning live for no particular reason, though it might have been the only game being played at the time. Incredible stuff. Every person who swings a bat needs a moment like that.
Great name, by the way. You’re a chip off the old Chris Berman.
Been waiting for a sumo match , Vogelbach vs Michael Pinieda after HBP
Jed and his new cubs GM are working overtime sifting the trash heap for nuggets. I wouldn’t be surprised if they pick up Vogel. Pretty clear the cubs are looking to recoup more of their 2020 “operating loss” and not serious about improving the team this year.