Yankees: Why Luke Voit will be starting at first base on Opening Day

Luke Voit surprisingly won over the New York Yankees fanbase and management last year after a scorching hot September. It appears he may have also won the starting 2019 Opening Day first base job.

Good news Luke Voit fans, the Yankees have not been seriously linked to any first baseman this offseason. As of now, we can safely assume Voit will be the starting first baseman, come Opening Day, 2019.

After the Yanks were eliminated from the playoffs, speculation immediately began over what Voit’s future would be in New York. With no credible rumors brewing now a month into the offseason, I think GM Brian Cashman is comfortable with Voit starting at first base.

Voit, surprisingly out-hit and out-fielded Greg Bird right out of a postseason roster spot. Now there are reports that Bird could begin next season in the minors, despite being a former blue-chip prospect.

With Bird potentially in the minors — and Neil Walker now a free agent, that leaves Voit as the lone first baseman on the Yankees active roster.

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It could be that Cashman hasn’t paid much mind to his first base predicament because he understandably must address pitching. Now that he’s acquired James Paxton from the Seattle Mariners, Cashman only needs to obtain one more frontline starter. Unless of course, he decides to buy a third pitcher, but that may wind up being too expensive.

The big fish free agent that could play first base is outfielder Bryce Harper. However, starting at an entirely new position reportedly seems “unrealistic” to the Yankee brass.

A star first baseman available on the trade market is Paul Goldschmidt of the Arizona Diamondbacks. After trading away three prospects to the Mariners, including top prospect Justus Sheffield, I’m not sure what pieces the Yankees would be willing to send to the D’backs.

Brian Cashman should remain confident in the soon to be 28-year-old Luke Voit. He proved that with consistent playing time just how mighty his swing could be — and that he can hit the ball to all parts of the field.

Voit also displayed solid athleticism despite his size while playing first base. I expect a hungry Voit to continue to improve this offseason as to prove why he should be the starting first baseman on Opening Day for the New York Yankees.