RADIO
Daniel Vogelbach 2020 Outlook: Low Batting Average, High On-Base/Power Threat
5 years agoDaniel Vogelbach had a productive first full season in the majors last season, slugging 30 bombs with 76 RBI and 73 runs scored. Although he produced a top-four walk rate (16.5%), he could only muster up a .208 BA on the season thanks to a minuscule .232 BABIP. Vogelbach's 27.9% line drive rate, 10.8% Barrel%, and 37.7% Hard Hit% all finished above the league average, but he couldn't find any success when he put the ball on the ground. The hulking left-hander produced a troublesome .125 BA on ground balls, the second-lowest mark in the majors and well below the .236 league average. Vogelbach thankfully finished with the 12th lowest ground ball rate in the league last season and should see some positive regression in 2020 to hit closer to last season's .228 expected batting average. While he will still provide a drain in the BA column, the 27-year-old's power and on-base numbers are maintainable as an impactful bat in the meat and potatoes of the Mariners batting order. Vogelbach's current 463 ADP presents a low-cost option for managers looking for some late-round pop and for those who play in OBP leagues.
