This continues my series of potential trade targets for the Braves, and I’m sticking with the theme of left-handed bats, which I’ve recently deemed the primary need for Atlanta leading up to the trade deadline. Josh Bell is my dream target, but if the Braves are looking for something that will cost less prospect capital, Daniel Vogelbach is a more than worthy backup plan.
If you missed any of the previous parts to this series, follow the links below:
- Josh Bell
- David Robertson
- Luis Castillo
- Daniel Bard
- Cavan Biggio
- Ian Happ
- Brandon Drury
- Andrew Benintendi
- Rougned Odor
Daniel Vogelbach
Vogelbach will never hit for average, but he’s a lefty that hits for power and crushes right-handed pitching. That’s exactly what the Braves need, and he shouldn’t cost much at all in terms of prospects.
In 2019, Vogelbach blasted 30 homers in 144 games for Mariners and was even named to the American League All-Star team. This season he already has 12 homers in 74 games for the Pirates, and all 12 of his longballs have come against right-hand pitching. Vogelbach has an outstanding .896 OPS against righties, which will make him coveted at the trade deadline by any team looking for a lefty platoon bat.
Even before Eddie Rosario returned, Alex Anthopoulos made it known that the Braves would be looking for another left-hand bat prior to the trade deadline. And now that Rosario continues to struggle following his eye surgery, adding another lefty bat seems necessary. Vogelbach is primarily a DH, but he would be an ideal platoon mate for Marcell Ozuna or whichever right-handed bat the Braves decide to ride down the stretch as their designated hitter.
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Photo: Justin Berl/Icon Sportswire
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