1. Luke Voit
Luke Voit was robbed in 2019, then the universe robbed every standout slugger in 2020. It’s as simple as that.
First base always has been and always will be an All-Star logjam for mashers, and Voit fell victim to a glut in ’19, as well as a late-in-the-game injury in the London Series that ensured he would not be considered as a possible replacement.
In that ill-fated first half, though, he mashed .280/.393/.509 with 17 homers and 50 RBI. Prior to the gut issue, he was among the best hitters in the league. Unfortunately, he lost out on the starting job to hometown slugger Carlos Santana, and the two AL bench spots were filled by Jose Abreu (duh) and…Daniel Vogelbach of the Mariners, fulfilling their quota.
Dang. Sometimes, things just don’t go your way.
Of course, Voit would’ve been an All-Star in 2020, with his league-leading and ridiculous 22 home runs in 213 at-bats that led him to a ninth-place MVP finish. He would’ve probably been voted a starter! Simply bad luck of the draw, which is something every one of us battled with last year. If he’d been snubbed in a fuller 2020, that would’ve caused a revolt in the Bronx.
Happy birthday to Mr. Voit, who turned 30 years old on Saturday. We’ve gifted you a 2021 All-Star appearance.
Ah, heck, who are we kidding? You earned it.
Yankees: 4 former rivals NYY should sign this offseason
The New York Yankees are going to be hunting for reinforcements this offseason, and should sign a few of their ex-rivals in free agency.