'I'm just going to stay positive': Voit's future with Yanks uncertain

TAMPA, Fla. -- Hours after news broke that the Yankees had agreed to a deal with Anthony Rizzo, the first baseman’s name hung above a locker in the Yankees' clubhouse Wednesday morning at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

That name plate was removed prior to the team’s workout, most likely the result of the deal not being complete before the results of Rizzo’s physical were in. But with the first baseman expected to join the Yankees as early as Thursday, it is clear that the infield log jam will present some issues for both general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone.

Rizzo, Gleyber Torres, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Josh Donaldson are expected to make up the Yankees’ regular infield, leaving DJ LeMahieu to get his at-bats as a roving replacement at first, second and third base.

The odd man out in this scenario appears to be Luke Voit, who looked good during live batting practice Wednesday as he tried to focus on baseball and keep the distractions to a minimum.

“Especially after how last year happened, I'm not surprised,” Voit said of the news that the Yankees were bringing Rizzo back. “I had a coach in the Minors that always told me that you're always playing for 29 other teams. I just have to keep doing what I'm doing, be ready for whatever happens. Right now, I'm [a] New York Yankee.”

After leading the Majors in home runs during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign, Voit played in just 68 games last season, hitting 11 home runs with a .764 OPS as he battled injuries that landed him on the IL on four occasions.

Rizzo’s left-handed bat appears to be a better fit for the Yankees’ lineup than Voit.

Voit was acquired in a trade with the Cardinals prior to the 2018 Trade Deadline. Voit knows the reality that he could be facing in the coming weeks, but rather than spend time worrying about whether he will be still with the Yankees on Opening Day, the 31-year-old plans to spend the next few weeks focusing on the things he can control.

“I know there are still going to be a lot more trades, there are still 100 free agents out there, so I have no idea,” Voit said. “These next 19 games are important for me to show their teams, prove to myself that I'm healthy again. … I'm just going to stay positive. I have no idea what’s going to happen.”

Boone spoke with Voit more than once Wednesday, noting how impressed he was with the first baseman’s demeanor both on and off the field in light of the circumstances.

“It's a difficult situation for Luke. Trying to put myself in his position as a player, especially when you're a really good player, there are all these things swirling and obviously the rumors of today,” Boone said. “What I was really impressed with just watching him today, his work was tremendous. Facing live pitching for the first time, he hits a homer, has really good at-bats; it's not easy to be undistracted in this situation.

“I let him know that I was just really impressed with the professionalism, coming in to work and nothing changed for him. It's about getting ready for the season. With everything that's been swirling this winter, the rumors that continue to exist, his ability to really focus and prepare and do his job has been commendable.”