Headlines

  • Astros To Promote Brice Matthews
  • Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers
  • Yankees Prioritizing Pitching, Also Searching For Infield Help
  • Orioles Trade Bryan Baker To Rays
  • Yankees Release DJ LeMahieu
  • Trevor Williams To Undergo UCL Surgery
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Blue Jays Release Daniel Vogelbach

By Darragh McDonald | June 19, 2024 at 10:48am CDT

The Blue Jays have released Daniel Vogelbach, according to his transactions log at MLB.com. They will remain on the hook for what’s left of his $2MM salary. Any other club could now sign him and would only have to pay the prorated league minimum for any time spent on the roster, with that amount subtracted from what the Jays pay.

A release was the likely outcome after Vogelbach was designated for assignment last week. Any club claiming him off waivers or acquiring him in a trade would have had to take on the remainder of his salary. He has hit just .186/.278/.300 in his 79 plate appearances this year, making him fairly unappealing at that price point. As a player with more than five years of service time, he can reject an outright assignment to the minors while retaining that money, so he was effectively bound for the open market.

But now that he can be signed for cheap, teams will likely have interest. Vogelbach is a limited player as he’s one of the slowest in the league and has essentially no defensive value. He played five innings at first base in 2022 and none since. But his work at the plate is intriguing enough that he has continually found opportunities.

Since his 2016 debut with the Mariners, he has also suited up for the Blue Jays, Brewers, Pirates and Mets. Those clubs were surely attracted to the fact that Vogelbach has a keen eye at the plate, drawing walks at a 15.1% rate in his career. He also has notable power, with 81 home runs in 1,957 plate appearances. His career batting line currently sits at .219/.340/.405 for a wRC+ of 108.

When Vogelbach is reduced to a strong-side platoon guy, the numbers are even more impressive. He has a career line of .128/.246/.214 against southpaws but has hit .237/.358/.445 the rest of the time. That latter line leads to a 123 wRC+, indicating he’s been 23% above average when facing righties.

He hasn’t been in good form this year but another club could sign him and hope to catch lightning in a bottle at a low price. The Nationals have a 63 wRC+ out of their designated hitter spot this year, while clubs like the Rays, Reds, Rangers, Royals and Cardinals are in playoff contention with each having a wRC+ below 90 from their designated hitter slot.

Share 0 Retweet 0 Send via email0

Toronto Blue Jays Transactions Daniel Vogelbach

Cubs Sign Tomas Nido, Designate Yan Gomes For Assignment
Main
The Rangers’ Surprising Problem
View Comments (67)
Post a Comment

67 Comments

  1. Bart Harley Jarvis

    1 year ago

    This is a big loss.

    14
    Reply
    • nukeg

      1 year ago

      I think we were all weighting to see if he would be released.

      15
      Reply
      • Bart Harley Jarvis

        1 year ago

        Nice one, @nukeg!

        2
        Reply
    • unpaidobserver

      1 year ago

      As in the setup to most episodes of the Biggest Loser.

      2
      Reply
    • Shadow Banned

      1 year ago

      Why’d they release Vogel bach-fat

      2
      Reply
    • Phlem Johnson

      1 year ago

      Only in tonnage I suspect you mean

      1
      Reply
  2. Digdugler

    1 year ago

    Atkins stays losing

    1
    Reply
    • Van Lingle Mungo

      1 year ago

      The diet and the GM

      3
      Reply
      • Fever Pitch Guy

        1 year ago

        Van – Vladdy just made the ULTIMATE slumpbuster sacrifice …. he shaved his head!!

        2
        Reply
  3. NoSaint

    1 year ago

    Welcome to retirement.

    Reply
    • deweybelongsinthehall

      1 year ago

      why retire when there probably is a good beer softball league in his future.

      8
      Reply
      • Bill M

        1 year ago

        I think there probably is a good beer & soft pretzel in his future

        4
        Reply
  4. jimmertee

    1 year ago

    Vogelbach could learn a thing or two about conditioning and discipline if he decides to play in Japan or Korea – if they will take him.

    3
    Reply
    • Canuckleball

      1 year ago

      In 2019, Vogey put up a 111 OPS+ and 30 homers with the same body.

      In 2022, he put up a 126 OPS+ and 18 homers with the same body

      Last season he put up a 106 OPS+ with 13 homers with the same body

      He is what he is. An inconsistent yet generally productive lefty who takes walks and hits homers.

      He was bad this year in a small sample. But very few Jays this year have been even respectable at the plate.

      I expect him to get back to his usual form once he goes to a team with a more competent coaching staff.

      And his weight will not factor into any future success, just as it hasn’t to this point in his career.

      16
      Reply
      • dugmet

        1 year ago

        In 2019 a lot of mediocre players put up nice numbers because the ball had a little more bounce in it.

        1
        Reply
        • Canuckleball

          1 year ago

          And OPS+ is a stat that compares a player to all fellow players during that same season. They were all getting juiced balls, and he was 11 percent better than an average hitter

          5
          Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          OPS+ does not measure how big a liability he is/was on the base paths, hurting his team based on his inability to run. There is such a thing as hurting your team when you’re on the bases. Alejandro Kirk is a prime example.

          2
          Reply
        • MacGromit

          1 year ago

          Manoah, Kirk, Vogelbach all got a large part of their salaries paid in poutine. Oh Canada!

          2
          Reply
      • Edp007

        1 year ago

        As a guy who’s been weight training for 40 years. .. Vogey has a great chest. Powerful. Barrel. Biceps and Tri’s are tremendous. Quads so powerful.
        Couch potatoes call him fat coz some energy stored.
        It’s an incredible athletic achievement to reach and make a career in mlb.

        4
        Reply
  5. CTS4

    1 year ago

    Why on earth did shapiro and carryon atkins signed this guy in the 1st place is beyond me…shakin’ my head

    atkins analytics…..

    Reply
    • Digdugler

      1 year ago

      Its only funny because they never used him, so what was the point? There were multiple times where Hot Dog didnt PH him in the 9th of a 1 run game for Biggio, Clement or IKF against a RHP.

      3
      Reply
    • mrperkins

      1 year ago

      Well in theory if you combine Vogelbach with Atkins it should have resulted in a more svelte result. Sadly the production declined rather than the lb’s.

      2
      Reply
    • MuleorAstroMule

      1 year ago

      Yeah why would you sign a guy similar to Brandon Belt who they had similar success with the season before. It just doesn’t add up.

      (Now honestly why they didn’t bring Belt back is beyond me but Vogey was a productive hitter for the past three seasons so it’s not like it was odd move.)

      Reply
  6. Canuckleball

    1 year ago

    That’s a Raptors slogan, but nice to know you can diversify your sports watching

    4
    Reply
    • coloredpaper

      1 year ago

      I mean, it’s crazy when the Laffs have been the most successful Toronto team of the 3 these last few years…

      Reply
  7. Gwynning

    1 year ago

    Canada’s average elevation readings just went up 3 feet.

    11
    Reply
    • unpaidobserver

      1 year ago

      This is an intersectional baseball and geology joke. I approve.

      6
      Reply
    • CravenMoorehead

      1 year ago

      He better start learning how to order take out in Korean

      2
      Reply
  8. toycannon

    1 year ago

    Dear Jerry Dipoto,
    please just say “no”.

    1
    Reply
  9. unpaidobserver

    1 year ago

    They musta got the sandwich bill…

    5
    Reply
    • MetsSchmets

      1 year ago

      LMAO!!!! This is a sick joke! Fantastic

      1
      Reply
  10. layventsky

    1 year ago

    He may be unemployed now, but at least he still has donut money.

    4
    Reply
    • MetsSchmets

      1 year ago

      Teenage level humor

      1
      Reply
      • Sideline Redwine

        1 year ago

        this whole thread is teenage level humor.

        10
        Reply
        • MuleorAstroMule

          1 year ago

          Anytime there’s an article about an athlete on the larger side the comment section always turns into a series of fat jokes, even though undoubtedly these guys could probably beat us in almost any physical competition. I figure it’s a way to compensate.

          1
          Reply
      • layventsky

        1 year ago

        What can I say? My sense of humor is about 20 years younger than I am, and Vogelbach is low-hanging fruit.

        6
        Reply
  11. deok40

    1 year ago

    The delis and restaurants surrounding the rogers centre have already seen their profit margins dwindle.

    6
    Reply
    • MetsSchmets

      1 year ago

      Top comedy, incredible wit

      2
      Reply
      • CravenMoorehead

        1 year ago

        Totally unrelated but the food at the Mets stadium is probably the best in baseball

        3
        Reply
        • Gwynning

          1 year ago

          Idk Craven… Petco has some bomb @$$ Mexican options! Top shelf Fish Tacos and Carne Asada Nachos batting leadoff and 2-hole…

          3
          Reply
  12. Lefty_Orioles_Fan

    1 year ago

    No one liked my Vogelbach for CF idea in Baltimore

    He may not be Willie Mays, but a chance in CF would be exciting

    1
    Reply
  13. rond-2

    1 year ago

    Back to the Buccos

    Reply
    • User 1404051815

      1 year ago

      Haven’t we suffered enough already?

      6
      Reply
  14. Old York

    1 year ago

    Thoughts and prayers to his career….

    Reply
  15. Dodger Dog

    1 year ago

    Votto time

    5
    Reply
    • coloredpaper

      1 year ago

      Yes please.

      Reply
    • Ted

      1 year ago

      I forgot Votto was lurking on the Jays minor league IL….

      Reply
  16. olmtiant

    1 year ago

    Possibly the only player in MLB i could pinch run for… ok … no I couldn’t… but us full figure men have to stick together!!

    1
    Reply
  17. This one belongs to the Reds

    1 year ago

    Reds…uh, no.

    2
    Reply
    • CravenMoorehead

      1 year ago

      Vogelbach is going to enjoy South Korea and the vibrant culture

      4
      Reply
  18. pharmor_loverchicagoridge

    1 year ago

    Word on the street in Bridgeport Chicago is this xxxxx large player is heading to the whitesox. He should fit in well with their new campfire milkshake that is selling more than the actual tickets. Now back to drinking my Zima and listening to the cicadas by armour square park

    Reply
  19. Sideline Redwine

    1 year ago

    Are we sure the Rays are in playoff contention? It’s my team, so I am not bashing…but at this point, it seems a miracle is necessary.

    Reply
    • Canuckleball

      1 year ago

      They’re 6 1/2 out of a wildcard spot right now. They have work to do but we aren’t even at the all star break yet. There is a lot of games left to be played.

      I don’t think they make the playoffs this year, but they are still on the fringes of contention, for sure.

      Reply
    • Tom the ray fan

      1 year ago

      They’ve been a hard watch this year. Given up the most Homers and hit the least, never a good combo.

      Reply
  20. pharmor_loverchicagoridge

    1 year ago

    Word on the street in Bridgeport Chicago is this big hunk of a man is heading to play for the whitesox. This should go well as the campfire milkshakes are selling more than the actual tickets. Now back to drinking my Zima and listening to the cicadas by armour square park

    2
    Reply
  21. algionfriddo

    1 year ago

    Should have resigned Brandon Belt.

    3
    Reply
    • bestone

      1 year ago

      Should have kept Teoscar….

      1
      Reply
  22. PaulyMidwest

    1 year ago

    If Jed dumpster dives for baby huey I am going to throw a remote thru my television.

    2
    Reply
  23. ❤️ MuteButton

    1 year ago

    Astros say NOPE

    1
    Reply
  24. User 1404051815

    1 year ago

    Interesting picture. It’s like he learned of being released and is walking the streets of Toronto in his uniform, looking for a rumble

    Reply
  25. Buff Barnacles

    1 year ago

    Plays sparingly (one of the toughest jobs in sports) On the bench he’s rarely sitting down as he stays in the game and motivates others. For his strikeout numbers – you have to watch the games not just look at stats. He has a great eye at the plate and has often been called out on strike 3’s that were balls. he watched go by.
    If I could offer him critique – it happens to all of us that play ball – He hasn’t been swinging hard enough.

    Good lucky Vogey!!!!!

    4
    Reply
    • bestone

      1 year ago

      I could motivate others from the bench for $2M….with a smile…

      Reply
  26. Rugga

    1 year ago

    Good luck to him. Didn’t work out on the Jays but wonder if he’d make more sense trying NPB for a year or so to regain some value.

    1
    Reply
  27. Atloriolesfan

    1 year ago

    Unfortunate news for an Os fan. It was very comforting for us to know that a guy replaced by DJ Stewart (and completely on the merits) was rostered for a half season by TOR.

    Reply
  28. This one belongs to the Reds

    1 year ago

    So my beer league softball team still has a chance at him…

    2
    Reply
  29. Logjammer D"Baggagecling

    1 year ago

    Vogelbach has been a journeyman ever since the Cubs traded him for Mike Montgomery in 2016.

    Reply
  30. Astros_fan_in_Aus

    1 year ago

    No doubt this will reduce the Jays’ donut costs.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Astros To Promote Brice Matthews

    Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers

    Yankees Prioritizing Pitching, Also Searching For Infield Help

    Orioles Trade Bryan Baker To Rays

    Yankees Release DJ LeMahieu

    Trevor Williams To Undergo UCL Surgery

    Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez

    Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff

    Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Bobby Jenks Passes Away

    Braves Release Alex Verdugo

    Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

    Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim

    Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon

    Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds

    Rangers Option Josh Jung

    Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement

    Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach On IL With Elbow Fracture

    Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

    Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury

    Recent

    Poll: Which Teams Should Make The Biggest Push For Jarren Duran?

    MLB Finalizes Home Run Derby Field

    Astros To Promote Brice Matthews

    Giants Outright Sergio Alcántara

    Joe Coleman Passes Away

    Dodgers Outright CJ Alexander

    Trade Deadline Outlook: New York Yankees

    Clarke Schmidt To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Trade Deadline Outlook: Atlanta Braves

    Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Alex Bregman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version