Yankees: 3 Luke Voit trades that make sense as injuries mount

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 07: Luke Voit #59 of the New York Yankees looks on during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on July 07, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 07: Luke Voit #59 of the New York Yankees looks on during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on July 07, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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Luke Voit #59 of the New York Yankees (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

1. Luke Voit to Detroit

Now, he can finally live the reality of John Sterling’s home run call every day!

The Tigers are much closer to postseason contention than anyone outside the Metro area will give them credit for, but under AJ Hinch, they’re pitching well, running more and winning series ever since a slow start to the season had them looking like baseball’s worst team.

The future rotation seems extremely set, and the offensive tandem of Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson will likely be anchors at the hot corner and in the outfield. Eventually, Tork might transition to first base … but not between 2022 and 2024, when Voit will be more than happy to drill 35 homers and help infuse a dose of competitive fire at the position currently occupied by … who, exactly? Miguel Cabrera on days he doesn’t DH? Jonathan Schoop? Does Schoop absolutely have to play first so Harold Castro can start at second every day? This doesn’t need to occur, right?

Here, we’ll help you: send Yankee Killer Schoop to New York as a versatile bench guy who can help down the stretch, as well as lefty Joey Wentz and outfielder Daz Cameron, and you can have Voit. What, you think another team’s giving you a bigger haul for the ex-Orioles masher? You’re not getting a prospect who can provide more punch than the already-established Voit. Sorry. Teams don’t even give away top prospects for the elite of the elite veteran rentals anymore. Game’s changed.

Someday, Voit will hit free agency again, and Torkelson will probably slide over, his ceiling diminished by leaving third base. Until then, Detroit could use more grinders — and it helps that this one’s actually good.

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