LUKE VOIT IGNITES YANKEES BUT IS HE THE MVP?

Source:  Jim McIsaac

There is so much banter about who is responsible for the Yankees most recent surge in the standings. Let's face it, they are have been doing what we expected them to be doing when this season started. But many have said, with this shortened season, it was anyone's opportunity. The Yankees have experienced so many injuries it would be difficult for them to take charge with only 60 games on the schedule. Yet, Luke Voit has taken on the challenge and has been the most consistent Yankee, currently leading the club and baseball with 22 home runs this season. But, is Luke Voit MVP worthy?

"We’re seeing the growth of a really good hitter that’s gone to another level and is having an MVP season," Boone said Friday before the Yankees began a three-game series against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. "Hard to believe where we’d be without Luke Voit," reported Newsday.

It is hard to believe that the Yankees would have been able to battle back the way they have over the last 12 games if not for Voit and his ability to do damage at the plate. "Voit’s .646 slugging percentage ranks first in the American League (and third in MLB behind Juan Soto’s .698 and Freddie Freeman's .658). His .984 OPS ranks him sixth in the AL (teammate DJ LeMahieu leads with 1.056)," reported Newsday.

Many will argue that sure Voit is having a stand out season but no one can compare to the precision and consistency of DJ LeMahieu. He by far is the most valuable Yankee and without his ability to play every position in the infield, consistently hit in any place within the lineup and keep the cool calm demeanor in the clubhouse, the Yankees would not have even put Voit in position to contribute the way he has. 

Source: AP

"As usual, LeMahieu is leading the charge from the top spot in the Yanks' lineup. He’s hitting .405 during the winning streak, lifting his season average to .367, which is two percentage points better than White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson’s .365 for the AL lead," reported NJ.com. 

At the end of the day, the Yankees are demonstrating the dominance they were expected to have with the lineup that did not include Aaron Judge or Giancarlo Stanton for most the 2020 season. It has been LeMahieu and Voit holding up the fort. In my mind, they both have earned the distinction of MVP. And I hope that they continue demonstrate that distinction as the Yankees get ready to clinch a spot in the playoffs and dominate the post season. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof