According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, it appears that the Mets are edging closer to finalizing a minor league agreement with Luke Voit. Earlier today, SNY’s Andy Martino mentioned that discussions were ongoing, with the potential deal likely involving an invitation to participate in major league Spring Training.

Voit, who recently turned 33, began the 2023 season with the Brewers but struggled in his 22 games with the major league team, batting only .221/.284/.265 with a high strikeout rate of 36.5% and just three extra-base hits (all doubles) in 74 plate appearances. Although his time in Milwaukee was brief, he showcased better form in Triple-A, posting a solid .263/.420/.615 slash line over 45 games split between the Brewers and the Mets, whom he joined in June after being released by the Brewers earlier that month.

Despite his challenging 2023 season, Voit has demonstrated considerable success over his seven-year career in the majors. He debuted with the Cardinals in 2017, putting up roughly average numbers over 62 games before being traded to the Yankees in a deal involving Giovanny Gallegos. His time in New York was remarkable, highlighted by a stellar .270/.362/.519 slash line over four years, including an impressive performance in the abbreviated 2020 season that earned him a ninth-place finish in National League MVP voting.

Voit’s time with the Yankees concluded when the team acquired Anthony Rizzo from the Cubs before the 2021 trade deadline and later extended him in the offseason. With Rizzo set as their first baseman, the Yankees traded Voit to the Padres just before the 2022 season began. After a brief stint in San Diego, Voit was part of the trade that sent Juan Soto to the Padres, landing him with the Nationals. Interestingly, Soto would eventually be traded to the Yankees in December.

Should the deal with the Mets go through, Voit would offer the team an experienced power hitter with a career 121 wRC+ in the majors. While Voit wouldn’t displace star slugger Pete Alonso as the primary first baseman, he could compete with Mark Vientos for the designated hitter role at the start of the season. Recent indications suggest the Mets plan to give Vientos a chance in the majors in 2024, despite his struggles with a .205/.255/.354 slash line in his major league career so far. If Vientos continues to struggle, Voit could serve as a seasoned alternative, aiding the team’s competitiveness in 2024 while focusing primarily on building for the future beyond that season.