Daniel Vogelbach Named Hitting Coach for Milwaukee Brewers in 2026

Vogelbach’s Transition from Player to Coach

Daniel Vogelbach’s post-playing career is gaining momentum as he steps into the role of hitting coach for the Milwaukee Brewers for the 2026 season. This announcement comes after a productive stint as a special hitting assistant with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2025.

A New Role in Milwaukee

The Brewers made the official announcement on Monday, highlighting Vogelbach’s experience and versatility. He will replace Eric Theisen, who has been promoted to lead hitting coach under manager Pat Murphy.

Vogelbach’s Impressive Background

Brewers president of baseball operations, Matt Arnold, shared his enthusiasm about Vogelbach’s new position, stating:

“He’s a guy that has worn a lot of hats in the big leagues. He’s been a great big league hitter, he’s coming off the bench and prepared, and he just knows how to get ready in all kinds of different roles.”

A Look Back at Vogelbach’s Career

At 33 years old, Vogelbach is a seasoned player with a noteworthy history. He last played in the majors with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024, where he recorded a challenging batting average of .186/.286/.300 in just 31 games, including one home run.

Highlights of His Playing Career

• Debut and All-Star Accolade: Vogelbach made his MLB debut in 2016 and earned an AL All-Star selection in 2019 while hitting 30 home runs.
• Milwaukee Stint: He played with the Brewers between 2020 and 2021, hitting 13 home runs over 112 games. His return to Milwaukee in a coaching capacity is an exciting development for fans and the team.

Challenges Faced

Vogelbach faced challenges during his time with the New York Mets in 2023, where performance inconsistencies led to a disappointing batting average of .233 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs over 104 games. This tumultuous season raised concerns among then-manager Buck Showalter and general manager Billy Eppler, ultimately leading to his release.

The Journeyman Experience

Vogelbach’s career trajectory has reflected a journey through five teams from 2020 to 2024, highlighting the ups and downs experienced in professional baseball.

Looking Ahead

As Vogelbach assumes his new role as hitting coach, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that is sure to benefit the Brewers’ roster. His firsthand experience as a player allows him to connect with players in a unique way, fostering growth and improvement at the plate.

Upcoming Goals

• Player Development: Focus on enhancing players’ batting techniques and strategies.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the coaching staff to develop a cohesive hitting philosophy for the team.

The Brewers are set to benefit from Vogelbach’s expertise as they look to improve their offensive performance in the upcoming season.

Stay Updated

For further updates regarding the Milwaukee Brewers, you can follow their official website here, where they provide the latest news and developments surrounding the team and its players.

By tapping into Vogelbach’s diverse experiences and insights, the Brewers hope to cultivate a strong foundation in their batting lineup for years to come.