Luke Voit stood at his locker in Clover Park, sporting his trademark style: a black high-neck quarter-zip pullover, partially unzipped with a chain draped over his exposed chest hair.
Just hours ago, the Mets had officially announced his signing to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. Now, he finds himself fielding questions about his role within the team.
Not too long ago, Voit topped the American League in home runs while playing for the Yankees in 2020. However, since then, he’s struggled to secure a stable position. Joining the Mets, his fifth team in four years, comes after he previously inked a deal with them eight months earlier.
Now 33, Voit aims to carve out a niche with the Mets as a designated hitter, providing occasional relief for Pete Alonso at first base.
“I feel very confident stepping in. I’ve had to earn my spot before,” Voit remarked. “It all started back in St. Louis, and then I had to compete with Greg Bird in New York, so I’m no stranger to competition. Ultimately, I focus on my own performance, with the goal of making the team.”
Voit initially joined the Mets in June following a stint with the Milwaukee Brewers. During his 37 games with Triple-A Syracuse, he posted a batting average of .264 and an OPS of 1.058, along with 14 home runs and 35 RBI. Despite his performance, the team chose not to promote him, preferring to give opportunities to younger players following a significant roster overhaul that saw the departure of key players like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander before the 2023 trade deadline.
“It was disappointing,” Voit admitted regarding the lack of opportunity. “I felt like I had proven myself in Triple-A. But I understand that, at that point, they were rebuilding and wanted to give chances to younger players. It’s a part of the business, and I heard similar explanations from other teams when I opted out.”
After hitting another home run in his final game with Syracuse on August 1, Voit requested his release, hoping to catch on with another team for a potential September call-up. Unfortunately, no offers materialized, ending his 2023 season prematurely.
Since then, he’s cherished the time spent at home with his family, considering it a “blessing.” Now, he’s eager for another shot at the game.
“I’m a baseball player through and through,” Voit affirmed. “When the Mets reached out, I saw it as an opportunity I couldn’t ignore.”
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