Mitch Voit Addresses Controversy in MLB Draft: Image Recovery and Future Plans

The New York Mets recently drafted Mitch Voit, a standout player from the University of Michigan, who faced scrutiny for an incident during a college game earlier this year. Voit’s celebratory action—a cocaine-snorting imitation after hitting a bases-clearing triple—raised eyebrows. However, Mets officials and Voit himself have spoken out, seeking to mitigate any concerns surrounding his character.

Voit’s Remarks on the Incident

In a press conference conducted at Citi Field shortly after signing his contract, Mitch Voit candidly discussed the controversy.

"Obviously, we addressed it, and we had conversations about it," Voit said. "That describes it: spur of the moment. Doesn’t describe me at all."

This candid acknowledgment follows a public apology Voit issued via social media, where he labeled his actions as an “immature gesture” and took “full responsibility” for his behavior.

The Reaction from the Mets

Kris Gross, the Mets’ Vice President of Amateur Scouting, backed Voit, expressing confidence in the player’s character and work ethic.

"He made a big play for his team and made a mistake," Gross stated. "He’s made an apology for it, owned up to it, and handled it with class."

Gross emphasized that the organization conducted thorough research into Voit’s background and felt comfortable moving forward with him as a valuable asset to the team.

Voit’s Performance and Potential

As a collegiate athlete, Voit demonstrated outstanding skill, finishing his junior season with a batting average of .346, 14 home runs, 72 hits, and 60 RBIs over 56 games. This noteworthy performance ultimately led to his selection as the No. 38 pick in the MLB Draft.

Key Stats from Voit’s Collegiate Career:

• Batting Average: .346
• Home Runs: 14
• Hits: 72
• RBIs: 60
• Games Played: 56

Voit’s versatility as a two-way player—contributing both on the mound and in the field—further solidified his draft position. He had previously undergone elbow surgery, and it is clear that his focus now will be on developing as a position player.

Future Aspirations

Voit is thrilled about joining the Mets and is already preparing for what lies ahead. He stated that while he’s primarily focused on playing in the field, his experience as a pitcher remains "in the back pocket," illustrating his adaptable nature.

"If it comes down to it and the only opportunity is to be a pitcher in the big leagues for the New York Mets, yeah," Voit noted.

Personal Touch

In a nod to his family’s importance, Voit’s first significant purchase after the draft was a Chanel purse for his mother, showcasing his gratitude and affection.

Training and Development

Recently, Voit participated in batting practice at Citi Field, reflecting on his collegiate experiences. During this session, he also observed Juan Soto’s precision-focused batting routine, adding to his eagerness to learn from established players in the majors.

Voit is expected to move to Port St. Lucie for an intensive training program designed to enhance his skills as he transitions into professional baseball.

Conclusion

As Mitch Voit prepares for his future with the Mets, he is determined to leave the controversy behind him. With a fresh start in the MLB, both Voit and the Mets appear keen to focus on the positive possibilities ahead.

For more details on Voit’s career and the latest MLB news, you can visit ESPN or MLB.com.