Former Chicago Cubs prospect Daniel Vogelbach will always be connected to the 2016 World Series.
Vogelbach never played a Major League game in a Cubs' uniform but was involved in one of the most important deals the team made during the 2016 season. Vogelbach's towering profile had him as a prospect many Cubs fans were excited to eventually see at Wrigley Field. However, that excitement quickly faded in July of the 2016 season when the Cubs traded Vogelbach to the Seattle Mariners along with Paul Blackburn in exchange for Jordan Pries and Mike Montgomery. Montgomery was the pitcher on the mound for the Cubs when they secured their Game 7 victory in the 2016 World Series.
Vogelbach spent parts of five seasons with the Mariners to open his Major League Career before being traded for cash considerations to the Toronto Blue Jays during the 2020 season. Vogelbach finished the 2020 season with the Milwaukee Brewers and has had stops with the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, and a return to the Blue Jays since then.
Vogelbach's best season in the Majors was his 2019 campaign with the Mariners. Named to the American League All-Star team that season, Vogelbach slashed .208/.341/.439 that season with the Mariners while adding 30 home runs.
Not going to lie, in recent seasons, when the Cubs have had a revolving door at first base prior to Michael Busch's arrival, it seemed inevitable that Vogelbach would return to the Cubs' organization. Even after Craig Counsell's arrival, Vogelbach being added to the Cubs' bench always seemed to be within the realm of possibility. That possibility may no longer exist as Vogelbach is hanging up his cleats in a playing capacity.
Former Cubs' prospect puts an end to his playing career
Pirates have hired Daniel Vogelbach as a special assistant to the hitting department. Did not have that one on the Bingo card.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) February 12, 2025
Vogelbach's lone season with the Pirates was in 2022 but he clearly left an impression. Sure, one one would have looked at Vogelbach's career slash line of .219/.340/.405 and made the connection to him joining a Major League Baseball team's hitting department upon wrapping up his playing career but best of luck to a Cubs' prospect who will always be intertwined with the 2016 World Series team.