The New York Yankees have several different directions they can go at first base next season, given the lockout finally ends and players return to work.
The Bombers have been connected to a myriad of players, including Freddie Freeman, Anthony Rizzo, and Matt Olson of the Oakland Athletics. One name that has continuously been passed by is Luke Voit, who has showcased quality talent in the past but dealt with injuries that have interrupted his progress.
Last season, Voit played in 68 games, hitting .239 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs. As a starting first baseman in 2020, Voit smashed 22 homers during the Covid abbreviated season, providing a 56 game sample size.
The Yankees went into last season with Voit as their primary starter, but they were forced to acquire Rizzo for the remainder of the campaign due to his injury restraints. The former Chicago Cub hit free agency this off-season, and he could end up going back to Chicago on an extension, making his time with a Yankees short-lived.
However, Voit has made it abundantly clear that he will take his talents elsewhere if the Yankees don’t give him an opportunity to start.
Dan Martin of the New York Post spoke to Luke Voit, who made it clear he would go elsewhere if he can’t play first base:
“I want to play first base for the Yankees,’’ Voit said. “If that happens, great. If not, I’ll go somewhere else.”
Trading for Rizzo undoubtedly left a sour taste in Luke’s mouth, but he understands the complexity of his injury and why they had to make a deal.
“I get why they did it,’’ Voit said of the trade. “I was hurt and on the [IL] a bunch last year and I get that. They want the lefty bats, too. But I also have done my fair share there and had some really good at-bats over the last four years.”
Reports of general manager Brian Cashman and ownership’s interest in Freddie Freeman likely doesn’t spur optimism for his future.
Freeman is capable of hitting 40+ homers at Yankee stadium, given his big lefty bat. However, if the Yankees want to take a more cost-efficient route, Luke Voit makes the most sense for the time being. They can reallocate those funds towards starting pitching or a stopgap shortstop. Ultimately, it all depends on how the Yankees prioritize their needs and if first base is worth spending big money on.