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Yankees: 3 possible first base replacements for Luke Voit this offseason

By Matt Micucci |
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 29: Luke Voit #59 of the New York Yankees looks on during the game against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on August 29, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 29: Luke Voit #59 of the New York Yankees looks on during the game against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on August 29, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 18: Anthony Rizzo #48 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a two run single in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on August 18, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 18: Anthony Rizzo #48 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a two run single in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on August 18, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

With Luke Voit’s New York Yankees career up in the air, it is worth looking at a few possible replacements at the first base position for 2022.

Objectively, it looks like the 2020 MVP candidate has already played his final game in pinstripes, finishing this season on the 60-Day IL after an unnecessary knee tweak sprinting to first on a strikeout.

A strikeout, of course, where first base was already occupied. What a frustrating season, top to bottom.

Before we break down possible external replacements for Voit, who seems to have rubbed the higher-ups in the organization wrong somewhere along the line, and was dangled in trade discussions at the deadline, it’s worth examining someone who’s already in uniform.

The Yankees could target these 4 offseason replacements for Luke Voit.

3. Anthony Rizzo

Anthony Rizzo is the Yankees’ current first baseman. However, his contract expires at the end of 2021.

While he has been a fine addition to the team after coming over in a trade deadline deal in July, he might not be the right fit going forward.

For starters, Rizzo will likely demand a contract that is uncomfortably high for the Yankees to be interested in. Rizzo is 32 years old and decline has already started to set in for the once perennial All-Star.

While being a lefty and an excellent fielder are two traits the Yankees should value in their next first baseman, Rizzo himself may not be the best choice for Brian Cashman.

ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 02: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves hits a single during the first inning of the game against the New York Mets at Truist Park on October 2, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 02: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves hits a single during the first inning of the game against the New York Mets at Truist Park on October 2, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

2. Freddie Freeman

The biggest fish the Yankees could try and lure to the Bronx is Freddie Freeman.

One of the best pure hitters in baseball, it is very surprising the Braves have failed to already extend his deal. Like Rizzo, Freeman is also 32, making his next contract a potential albatross down the road.

Unlike Rizzo, however, Freeman is still an elite hitter who would be an absolute dream fit in Yankee Stadium. His blend of power and contact from the left side would immediately provide balance in the Yankee lineup — not to mention, if Freeman becomes a Yankee, he would almost definitely be a fan favorite.

Freeman has not had a strikeout rate over 20% since 2016. What a breath of fresh air a hitter like Freeman would be for a Yankee lineup that has too often been reliant on a three true outcomes strategy.

If the Yanks choose not to spend big on a shortstop or pitching this offseason, Freeman may just be a surprise addition, and one that could provide better results for the Yankees offense.

If Brian Cashman wants to spend a little less, though…

DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 26: Brandon Belt #9 of the San Francisco Giants hits a fifth inning double against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 26, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 26: Brandon Belt #9 of the San Francisco Giants hits a fifth inning double against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 26, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

1. Brandon Belt

Long time San Francisco Giant Brandon Belt is also set to be a free agent at the end of the season.

Belt has had a well-timed renaissance at the plate in a contract year, helping the underdog Giants win the NL West title before suffering an unfortunate hand injury in late September.

Belt fits the theme as a solid-fielding lefty who is up there in age and may not be worth the contract he receives. Additionally, he is the unofficial captain of the Giants, who will most likely be motivated to retain their long-time first baseman.

After years of slowly declining play, Belt had a fantastic shortened season in 2020 and continued that performance into 2021. It is worth noting, however, that Belt only appeared in 97 games this season due to a knee injury that cost him over a month and the aforementioned hand injury suffered recently. When looking for a Voit replacement, durability has to be part of the discussion.

Belt hit 29 home runs in 97 games in 2021, by far a career high despite missing time. Has Belt unlocked some power that would play great in Yankee Stadium or has his recent performance been a mirage?

There are some clear red flags with Belt, but among other free agent first basemen, he still stands out.

Part of what makes Belt appealing is the potential to sign him to a shorter-term deal with less of a financial commitment involved. The Yankees, therefore, could view Belt as a reasonably-priced Rizzo. A two-or-three=year contract that does not hamstring the organization (or give ownership an excuse not to spend) may be the path the Yankees choose.

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