It Happened: Luke Voit Traded To The Padres
I knew this blog post was coming eventually, really since the Yankees traded for Anthony Rizzo in July last year. Luke Voit was placed on the back burner as the Bombers pursued a balanced lineup and improved defense at first base. He was also clearly unhappy with the decision by management to play him so minimally. Then he got hurt and his season ended. Despite Rizzo’s contract ending, the writing was on the wall that Voit would not step back into the spot he once owned.
General Manager Brian Cashman stated that the Yankees needed to improve at first base, among other positions, at the year-end press conference last fall. He constantly praised Rizzo’s ability to make contact and play defense, while doing it from the left side. Luke Voit even said publicly to either play him or trade him.
Well now the Yankees have traded him.
Voit goes to San Diego in a deal bringing only one player back to the Yankees, pitcher Justin Lange. The 20-year-old right-hander was the Padres’ first round pick in 2020, but struggled in rookie ball last season, posting a 6.95 ERA.
Similar to Sánchez and Urshela, who were traded earlier in the week, Voit’s Yankee days began with an explosion onto the scene. With his gold chain swinging outside of his unbuttoned uniform, he connected with many Yankees’ fans immediately. All of the no-doubt home runs helped, too.
Photo Via: Jared Carrabis on Twitter — @Jared_Carrabis
In 2018, Voit slugged 14 home runs while hitting .333 in 39 games. One of his most memorable Yankee moments occurred that very Postseason in the AL Wild Card Game at Yankee Stadium. Eerily similar to his big hit in his high school state championship game in Missouri, Voit lined a triple off the right field wall.
After a solid 2019 campaign, Voit did something very noteworthy in 2020: he led MLB in home runs. The season was shortened to 60 games, but Luuuuuke was able to smash 22 baseballs over the wall. Without fans in the stands, the excitement of the games was slightly diminished, but it was important for Voit to confirm that he is indeed one of the best power hitters in baseball.
His injury-riddled 2021 season is likely what cost him a true shot at being locked in as the Yankees’ first baseman. He also missed the 2019 Postseason due to injury. I can only imagine that each and every Yankees’ fan will be rooting for Voit moving forward. Good luck in San Diego.