Perrotto: Pirates’ Small Investment on Big Man Vogelbach Pays Off

Spending $1 million doesn’t get you a whole lot in the world of Major League Baseball.

However, the Pirates got their $1 million worth from Daniel Vogelbach before trading him to the New York Mets on Friday night for rookie reliever Colin Holderman. In fact, the Pirates didn’t even pay him the full million.

The Pirates signed the burly designated hitter as a free agent March 15, nearly a week after the 99-day lockout ended, to a one-year, $1-million contract. The deal called for an $800,000 salary this season and a $1.5-million team option for 2023 with a $200,000 buyout.

The Mets are now on the hook for the remainder of the $800,000 this year and the buyout.