Ronny Mauricio and 3 others who could replace Daniel Vogelbach if the Mets DFA him

Let the speculation begin, or at least continue, for the future of Daniel Vogelbach. He didn’t play at all for the New York Mets over the weekend against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It’s obvious what’s next.

Vogelbach has been the one getting the finger pointed at him for weeks now. More than one finger, too. The inability to actually hit or play the field made him such an undesirable piece to the ball club. Assuming he’s gone before the Mets play their next game, it’s time to look at some replacements currently within the system.

1) The NY Mets can replace Daniel Vogelbach on the roster with Ronny Mauricio

How exciting! Also, very unlikely. Mauricio is learning new positions and the team has already promoted Brett Baty, Francisco Alvarez, and Mark Vientos to try and spark the offense. Only Alvarez has been playing well.

In theory, Mauricio is a terrific addition to the Mets roster as long as he performs at the plate. That’s a pretty huge “if.” At least he can play multiple positions (or at least he’s currently trying to add them to his resume). Mauricio also has some speed the Mets could use.

Mauricio has cooled off since his hot start. Still the owner of a .320/.360/.524 slash line and leading his league with 80 hits, it’s not an absolutely outrageous idea to go a completely different route with an entirely opposite sort of player than Vogelbach as his roster replacement. 

How likely is this to happen? There’s probably a better chance the Mets keep Vogelbach for another week than replace him on the roster with Mauricio.

Based on how the Mets have used several other players over the weekend, there’s another player that seems to be a bit more fitting.

2) The NY Mets can replace Daniel Vogelbach on the roster with Michael Perez

Catcher Michael Perez is ahead of Tomas Nido on the depth chart now. Nido survived waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A. Rather than restart the whole process all over again and recall him, the Mets might want to consider a promotion for Michael Perez.

There are some problems with carrying three catchers yet also benefits for the situation they’re in. Francisco Alvarez and Omar Narvaez can share the defensive duties with the other taking on the role of DH. Pair them up with particular pitchers or do whatever it takes to make sure, at the very least, Alvarez is in the lineup as much as possible. His bat is one of the few threats available.

Perez would take on the very traditional role of backup catcher. Because a DH cannot be moved to another position in a game, the Mets are running the risk of a catcher getting hurt and having to turn to whoever their emergency option is at the position. It’s probably Jeff McNeil. He plays everywhere. He has been the emergency catcher in the past.

A third catcher on the roster can be limiting, but think of it this way; the Mets are essentially swapping Vogelbach for Narvaez. We do need to see more from him before having faith that he should be more than Alvarez’s backup. It’s worth a shot.

4) The NY Mets can replace Daniel Vogelbach on the roster with DJ Stewart

DJ Stewart hit his 13th home run for Syracuse on Sunday. He must’ve known an opportunity could come calling for him. A left-handed outfielder with 622 MLB plate appearances, he’s certainly someone the Mets could consider especially if Mark Canha will continue to play first base often.

Stewart never did have much success in the majors during his limited time with the Baltimore Orioles. A .213/.327/.400 slash line is the reason why he’s in the minors right now and not on somebody’s bench.

Stewart is hitting .230 with Syracuse and is the owner of a .368 OBP. If these numbers could translate at the major league level, he wouldn’t be such a bad bat to have off the bench. He can play the outfield, which is yet another bonus point over Vogelbach.

When it comes to looking for a replacement for Vogelbach, the Mets should consider a couple of factors. One is the kind of upside they’re looking at. If nothing else, Stewart can hit home runs.

It’s minor but important to note Stewart has minor league options left, which White doesn’t. This might give him a slight edge. The fact that he can play the outfield adds to it. The Mets have first base covered in Pete Alonso’s absence with Mark Canha and Mark Vientos. The expectations won’t be high but maybe Stewart can give some much-needed power.