New York Mets Release Former MLB Home Run Champ

The New York Mets have made the tough decision to release former home run champ Luke Voit, signaling a setback in his bid to secure a role with the team this offseason.

Voit's return to the Mets was met with hopes of solidifying a position as a designated hitter and backup first baseman, but his performance during spring training fell short of expectations.

The 33-year-old Voit had a brutal camp, logging 41 plate appearances but batting just .118/.220/.235 with a home run, a double, and 14  strikeouts (34.1%).

He had a .455 OPS in 14 games this spring.

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) March 26, 2024

Despite a standout season in 2020 with the New York Yankees, where he topped Major League Baseball with 22 home runs and showcased a .277 batting average, Voit's struggle to maintain consistency at the plate has been evident, further emphasized by his recent stint with the Mets.

During spring training, Voit's offensive production failed to impress, managing just four hits—including a solitary home run—in 41 plate appearances. His difficulty in making contact, highlighted by 14 strikeouts and only three walks, likely contributed to the Mets' decision to part ways with the slugger.

Darren McCaughan's first strikeout victim of the afternoon is Luke Voit. Got him with the sweeper.#Marlins pic.twitter.com/3geYVGnsPt

— Kevin Barral (@kevin_barral) March 24, 2024

This release marks another chapter in Voit's journey, as he now faces the challenge of seeking opportunities elsewhere in the league to revive his once-promising career.

Over his seven-year career, the 33-year-old holds a .253/.339/.468 triple-slash line, with 95 home runs, 276 RBIs, three stolen bases, and 247 runs scored across 508 games played.

While his resilience and determination have been tested before, Voit's future in the majors remains uncertain as he navigates this latest setback. 

Photo Credit: Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK