Voit on DJ: ‘I want him in the pinstripes’
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The big-swinging duo of Luke Voit and DJ LeMahieu made history, as they powered the Yankees' offense in 2020 and became the first pair of teammates in 61 seasons to lead their league in home runs and batting average.
Voit is banking that the Yankees will find a way to keep that tandem together to put up more big numbers. Currently a free agent, LeMahieu is believed to be general manager Brian Cashman's top priority as baseball conducts its first virtual Winter Meetings.
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"If I was a gambling man, I'd want to put money on DJ coming back," Voit said on Wednesday. "I think he wants to be back. I hope he's back because he's one of the best players in baseball, one of the best hitters I ever played with. I want him in the pinstripes for the rest of his career."
LeMahieu reigned as the American League's batting champion this past season, finishing with a MLB-best .364 mark. Voit slugged 22 homers, which made them the first pair of teammates to pace their circuit since Henry Aaron (.355) and Eddie Mathews (49 homers) with the 1959 Milwaukee Braves.
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Voit outhomered AL MVP Award winner José Abreu, who hit 19, despite limping through most of the season’s final two months with plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Voit recently had a platelet-rich plasma injection and has been working out at the Yankees’ complex in Tampa, Fla., with plans to ramp up baseball activities shortly after Jan. 1.
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“I’m feeling good. Everything's healthier,” Voit said. “I started running again and the training staff down here has been awesome. It's been nice to have them take care of me every day. I'm in the right direction and everything is normal, so I’m excited for next year.”
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Voit spoke on Wednesday as he promotes the tradition and rivalry of the Army-Navy Game on behalf of USAA. The first baseman has a family connection to the storied contest, which will see the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen battle on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on CBS.
A participant in some of baseball's most historic rivalries over the past four seasons, Voit has helped the Cardinals take on the Cubs and has enjoyed the Yankees' tilts against the Red Sox. He counts being a spectator for “America’s Game” among his most memorable experiences.
"It’s the coolest sporting event I've ever been to,” Voit said. “I haven't played in it, but it's ridiculous. It’s a whole different issue with no fans, but it's my favorite event. The boys go out there and get after it. It doesn't matter what their record is. They're out there competing to beat the other team.”
Voit also has a family connection: His younger brother, John, played four years as an Army defensive lineman from 2014-17 and was recently deployed to Afghanistan as an Army Ranger. Fans can enter a sweepstakes to attend the 2021 Army-Navy Game at MetLife Stadium by visiting ArmyNavyHouse.com.
“It's a lot of fun to watch,” Voit said. “This year, I think Army's got the advantage. I’ve got to say, go Army, beat Navy.”