Mets' Vogelbach Lost 25 Pounds Over Offseason, Could Play First Base in 2023

New York Mets designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach arrived to spring training looking slimmer. The power hitter says he lost somewhere between 20 to 25 pounds over the offseason. Vogelbach was out taking ground balls at first base Tuesday morning. He could see time at first base this season, behind Pete Alonso.

New York Mets first baseman and designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach arrived to spring training looking a bit different.

The now slimmer, power hitter says he lost around 20 to 25 pounds over the offseason.

“I just feel good,” Vogelbach said. “I’m ready for a season, a little different coming into a clubhouse this year where everybody’s expectations are high, and just trying to make sure that I’m ready to do my part to contribute.”

Vogelbach was listed at 270 pounds last season.

“Obviously watching what I eat, but just working out and doing my routine,” Vogelbach said. “I wasn’t really that focused on one particular thing. Just coming in and making sure that I was in shape and ready to play from day one.”

Vogelbach was out taking ground balls at first base Tuesday morning at Mets camp. He could see time at first base behind Pete Alonso this season.

Vogelbach logged just five innings at first base in 2022. He received 59 starts at the position in 2021, as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. He previously played for the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays.

The Mets acquired Vogelbach from the Pittsburgh Pirates last July in exchange for Colin Holderman. The club also acquired Darin Ruf from the San Francisco Giants prior to last August's trade deadline. Ruf and Vogelbach platooned in the designated hitter spot for the Mets, down the stretch of the season, with Ruf facing left-handed pitchers and Vogelbach seeing time against righties. This season, both players should see time in the DH spot, with newly-signed outfielder Tommy Pham also being in the mix.

Vogelbach batted .255 with a .393 On Base Percentage, .830 OPS, six home runs and 25 RBI in his 55 games with the Mets a season ago.

Vogelbach is hoping to up his market value, as his enters the final year of his contract. He is owed $1.5 million by the Mets in 2023.

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