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A potential lottery ticket in Luke Voit

By David Hill

Sep 14, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Luke Voit (59) watches his home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Luke Voit (59) watches his home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Yankees have been one of the teams connected to the Oakland A’s expected fire sale over the past few weeks. It is clear that the Yankees covet some of the A’s players, particularly Matt Olson as they seek to upgrade at first base.

Such a move would leave the Yankees with a possible logjam at first. Luke Voit is still on the roster, and aside from one inning in right, has not played another position in the majors. The designated hitter spot is locked in with Giancarlo Stanton, making plate appearances even harder to come by. It is not a surprise that Voit himself is on the trade block and considered a probable part of the return should Olson head to the Yankees.

Luke Voit worth a look for Oakland A’s

Voit is clearly not in the Yankees’ plans moving forward. That was obvious when the Yankees acquired Anthony Rizzo, relegating Voit to a bench role when he returned from injury. But that does not mean that he would just be filler for the A’s major league roster.

There have been flashes that Voit could be a viable major league asset. He led the majors with 22 homers in 2020, producing a .277/.338/.610 batting line in his 234 plate appearances. This came after a solid 2019 season where Voit hit 21 homers and 21 doubles as the Yankees’ primary first baseman.

However, his career has been hindered by injuries, keeping him from being able to produce at a high level consistently. That could work to the A’s advantage, especially as he has three years of team control left and would be considered more of a throw in on any trade package.

Sometimes a change of scenery can make a difference. That was the case when Voit first went to New York as he exploded once he put on the pinstripes. Maybe being sent to Oakland can have the same effect; after all, if the A’s can keep Jed Lowrie healthy, Voit should not be that much of an issue.

Next. Keeping up with the teams in the Matt Olson chase. dark

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Luke Voit could be an asset for the Oakland A’s. If Matt Olson heads to the Yankees, they could end up with a solid replacement at first.