“I Love Playing in New York” – Luke Voit Voices Thoughts Amidst Links Away From Yankees

The MLB Lockout has played a few tricks already. With the New York Yankees looking to build a squad for the years to come, some of last years players could be expecting a trade. With the Yankees crashing out of contention on a wild card game in 2021, they will surely look to improve their squad moving forward.

And one of those potential improvements could be at first base. With Luke Voit manning the position for the Yankees last season, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that a champion side would expect more. Despite a solid showing in the pandemic shortened 2020 season, Voit saw his offensive output drop last year. And with some key free agents in the market, could Voit be headed out of the Bronx?

Luke Voit made his name in pinstripes in the pandemic shortened 2020 season, where he led the league in home runs and set his name firmly in MVP contention. However, things have been less than ideal for Voit in the past season. While he spent a majority of the season out injured, the Yankees found an able replacement in Anthony Rizzo.

The left-handed hitter delivered a solid season from 1st, and could well be expected to be picked back up in the off-season. A left-handed hitter is well high on the list of any outfit and would do especially well on the Yankees considering the rest of their lineup.

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Luke Voit staying with the New York Yankees

Voit had an injury-riddled season last year. First, he had a torn meniscus in his left knee that put him out of commission due to surgery. Later in the season, he also spent time on the injured list for inflammation in his left knee and a strained right oblique. And even though Voit is likely due about $5.4 million in arbitration next season, The Yankees could be eyeing options in alternative.

However, the 30-year-old Voit insists he’s fully healthy now. At least he will be ready for spring training if it starts on time; a proposition seeming less and less likely.

Voit stands at a curious crossroads, with his worst year as a Yankee behind him. At least that’s what the stats say. Despite his injury layoff, Voit is coming off a season in which he played 68 games and saw his OPS drop from .948 to .764. A fall from his 2020 heights.

“I love playing in New York,’’ Voit said. “The fans love me up there and I love them. I hope it can happen and I can stay, but I don’t control it”. It seems as though the 1st baseman is fully aware that his fate now rests on the offseason.

While the lockout has prevented New York from making any moves recently, the Yankees are rumored to be in for a trade. Possibly eyeing Oakland slugger, Matt Olson, or even set to go after Freddie Freeman in free agency. Anthony Rizzo, too, remains an option available on the free-agent market.