The Pirates announced Wednesday that Vogelbach has been hired by the organization to serve as a special assistant to the hitting department, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though Vogelbach hadn't made a formal retirement announcement since becoming a free agent last June after being released by the Blue Jays, his decision to accept a coaching position would seem to indicate that he's transitioning to his post-playing career. The 32-year-old first baseman/designated hitter appeared in 602 games over parts of nine seasons in the big leagues with the Mariners, Blue Jays, Brewers, Pirates and Mets, slashing .219/.340/.405 with 81 home runs and 246 RBI. He made his lone All-Star team in 2019 with Seattle.

The Blue Jays released Vogelbach on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

He's now free to latch on with a new club after clearing waivers following his removal from the Blue Jays' 40-man roster. Vogelbach has slashed just .186/.278/.300 across 79 plate appearances this season.

The Blue Jays designated Vogelbach for assignment Friday, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vogelbach had been hitless over his last five games to drop his season slash line to just .186/.278/.300 across 79 plate appearances. The 31-year-old has an above-average 106 OPS+ for his career, but his lack of defensive versatility will limit his appeal on the open market, assuming he clears waivers and becomes a free agent.

Vogelbach is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

He'll retreat to the bench after he served as the Blue Jays' designated hitter in each of the last four games while going 4-for-15 with a double and three RBI. Despite getting increased opportunities of late, Vogelbach still looks like he'll be out of the lineup more often than not while the Blue Jays have Justin Turner and Vladimir Guerrero share first base and the DH spot.

Vogelbach will start at designated hitter and bat cleanup in Monday's contest against the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

Vogelbach will be making his third straight start at DH after producing four hits and three RBI between Saturday and Sunday's games against the Pirates. Vogelbach has now started six of the last 11 games in the DH slot. It's the same number of starts over that span as Justin Turner, who has been the DH four times and played first base twice during the stretch.

Vogelbach went 2-for-4 with a two-RBI double during Sunday's 5-4 win over the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Vogelbach generated his second consecutive multi-hit game Sunday and logged his first game of the season driving in more than one batter. Since starting the season 4-for-37 at the dish, Vogelbach is 9-for-20 (.450) with three doubles, a solo homer and five total RBI.

Vogelbach went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and two additional runs scored during Sunday's 5-2 win over the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Vogelbach needed his second career triple to hit for the cycle Sunday after notching a single, double and solo homer off Aaron Civale. The performance marked Vogelbach's 10th career game with at least three hits and his first since July 7, 2023. Sunday's homer was Vogelbach's first of the season and could be what he needs after opening 2024 going 4-for-37 (.108) at the plate.

Vogelbach will start at designated hitter and bat cleanup Wednesday against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

He's filling in for Justin Turner, who is getting a day off. The start is just the fifth of the season for Vogelbach, who is 2-for-18 at the dish so far for Toronto.

Vogelbach will start as the designated hitter and bat fourth in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

It'll be Vogelbach's first start since March 30, as the left-handed batter will face off against Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt. Vogelbach is 1-for-5 with one walk and one strikeout to start the season.

Vogelbach will start as the designated hitter and bat in the cleanup spot for Saturday's game against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Vogelbach made his 2024 debut Friday when he pinch hit for Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the seventh inning. Vogelbach will make his first start of the season Saturday, replacing Justin Turner in the DH spot against Rays right-hander Zack Littell.