A lot of questions surrounded the 2019 first base battle for the New York Yankees, and when the team left spring training for New York, it looked like Luke Voit would be the starting first baseman. Greg Bird would likely still get at-bats, DHing against certain right-handers.
Voit didn’t get off to a fantastic start, but neither did Bird. About two weeks ago, Bird was placed on the IL with a plantar fascia tear, and Mike Ford was called up.
Ever since Bird was on the IL, Voit has had great success, and Ford has been playing decently as well.
Was the opportunity that Bird had before the injury his final in Pinstripes? The way Voit has been playing, I think so. I don’t just think that I believe that Voit will be the first baseman for years to come.
Voit is red hot
Ever since Bird went on the IL, Voit has been great. He has been even better since the Yankees went out west, batting well over .400 with four home runs in the last seven games (LAA and SF games).
On the season, Voit is batting .283 with 25 RBIs, an OBP of .400 and an OPS of .935.
His offensive production has been making up for Aaron Judge’s injury disappearance, and more offense should return soon in Miguel Andujar, Aaron Hicks, and Giancarlo Stanton (Note: Andujar should begin rehab with A-ball Tampa Tarpons on Tuesday).
His average puts him 32nd in the AL, his OBP at 16th in the AL, his eight home runs put him sixth in the AL with teammate Gary Sanchez, and his 25 RBIs are good for second in the AL.
Voit is doing everything that the Yankees want him to do: drive in runs and get on base. He has also just been named the AL player of the week for 4/21-4/28.
Bird gets worse with time
In 35 at-bats before his injury, Bird bat a dismal .171, driving in just one run on an opening day solo-blast.
His WAR sits at -0.2, meaning that the Yankees would have more success if they didn’t use Bird at all this year.
Bird needs to be traded or sent to play AAA ball for Scranton. They could sure use players since everyone else has been called up, including Mike Ford.
Ford could keep a roster spot
In 24 at-bats, Ford has just four hits but has four RBIs. His defense is better than Voit’s and Bird’s, with better on-base, slugging, and OPS numbers than Bird.
Ford also has had more minor league success, batting over .400 before receiving the call after 10 games with Scranton.
The conclusion:
Luke Voit is here to stay for years to come. He’s sure proving that last year’s success was no fluke, and he will continue to mash. Greg Bird’s time may have come to an end as a Yankee, and Ford could stay up to play defense and potentially DH. But remember, DJ LeMahieu can play first base, too.
Still, with the injuries, I think that LeMahieu will end up staying at second and third, and Voit will be the everyday first baseman.