The Rakuten Eagles have confirmed the re-signing of first baseman Luke Voit for the 2026 Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) season. This move comes after Voit’s impressive performance since joining the team in June 2025, where he quickly made an impact.
Luke Voit’s Performance with the Rakuten Eagles
During his tenure with the Eagles, Voit showcased his skills over 276 plate appearances in 67 games, primarily as a designated hitter and first baseman. His statistics were notable:
- Batting Average: .300
- On-base Percentage: .384
- Slugging Percentage: .498
- Home Runs: 13
- Runs Batted In (RBI): 39
Despite joining the team mid-season, Voit still managed to lead the Eagles in home runs and ranked second in RBIs. The Eagles struggled offensively, finishing last in the league with only 70 home runs, making Voit’s retention a strategic necessity.
Background on Luke Voit
Voit brings a wealth of experience from Major League Baseball (MLB), having played seven seasons prior to his time in Japan. He last played in the MLB in May 2023 with the Milwaukee Brewers. Before his signing with the Eagles, he spent two years playing in the Mexican League.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his MLB career, Voit has had significant successes, including:
- Leading the majors with 22 home runs in the 2020 season.
- Accruing a .271 batting average with 68 home runs over 1,133 plate appearances with the New York Yankees from 2018 to 2021.
- Being traded to the San Diego Padres as part of a package for star player Juan Soto at the 2022 trade deadline.
In summary, Luke Voit’s re-signing represents a critical decision by the Rakuten Eagles as they aim to bolster their offensive capabilities for the upcoming 2026 season.
