The Pittsburgh Pirates are welcoming back a familiar face, but in a fresh role.
Former first baseman/designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach has joined the Pirates’ coaching staff as a special assistant to the hitting department, according to multiple reports from Bradenton, Florida.
A nine-year MLB veteran and 2019 All-Star, Vogelbach played for the Pirates in 2022, posting a .228/.338/.430 slash line and a .769 OPS in 75 games before being traded to the New York Mets. In exchange, the Pirates received pitcher Colin Holderman. During the first half of 2022, Vogelbach hit 10 doubles, 12 home runs, and 34 RBIs.
In November, the Pirates hired Matt Hague, another former player, as their new hitting coach, replacing Andy Haines, who had been with the team for the last three seasons under manager Derek Shelton.
Vogelbach, a left-handed hitter, played for five teams between 2016 and 2024, with his most notable tenure being with the Seattle Mariners. He hit 17 doubles, 30 home runs, and drove in 76 RBIs over 144 games, though he posted a .208 batting average.
After playing just 31 games for Toronto last season with a .186 average, Vogelbach decided to retire. He now joins a team focused on returning to playoff contention under the leadership of Shelton and general manager Ben Cherington as they enter year six of their rebuilding effort.
In 2024, the Pirates struggled offensively, ranking 25th in home runs (160), 24th in runs (665), 23rd in batting average (.234), 24th in on-base percentage (.301), and 27th in OPS (.672).
The Pirates’ first full-squad workout is scheduled for Monday, February 17, with their first spring training game set for Saturday, February 22, against the Minnesota Twins. The 2025 season officially begins with Opening Day in Miami on Thursday, March 27, against the Marlins at LoanDepot Park.
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