Yankees: 5 first basemen that could start on Opening Day

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game four of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 12, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Zarrilli/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 17: Luke Voit #59 of the New York Yankees reacts after hitting a home run against the Boston Red Sox in the second inning during game two of a doubleheader at Yankee Stadium on August 17, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

2. Luke Voit

It was only two seasons ago when Voit was arguably the most feared hitter in the middle of the Yankees order. He did, after all, lead MLB in home runs that season. His stock has fallen dramatically after an injury-riddled 2021 campaign.

Discretion might be the best course of action for the Yankees when it comes to Voit. He may never bounce all the way back to his 2020 brilliance, but it’s reasonable to assume he can provide a lot more value next season than he did just a year ago.

The problem with that value is that it’s solely predicated on his right-handed power hitting at the plate. He’s at best, an average defender. If injuries slow him at all he could easily slip into being one of the worst gloves at first base in all of MLB.

Voit should be considered as the “safe option” at first base if the Yankees want to spend their resources elsewhere this offseason. He may never be an All-Star, but he has the upside of an above-average starter. That could be enough to tempt Cashman to give him another few months to re-establish his value. If Voit flops to begin the year, it’s a position the team could look to address with an in-season move.

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