Joey Votto has seen and executed an important deal over his 17-year profession with the Cincinnati Reds. Following the membership’s choice Sunday to say no his $20 million possibility for the 2024 season, Votto will now get the possibility to expertise free company for the primary time.
The 40-year-old might not be the identical hitter he as soon as was — he slashed .204/.317/.394 with 25 dwelling runs during the last two seasons — however the future Corridor of Famer might draw curiosity on the open market. Listed below are 4 potential touchdown spots for the previous MVP and six-time All-Star.
Cincinnati Reds
A return to Cincinnati is much from probably, however till Votto really indicators elsewhere it could possibly’t be dominated out. The Reds have a loaded infield image with Spencer Steer, Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Jonathan India and Noelvi Marte needing at-bats. Discovering enjoying time for the veteran off the bench could also be difficult.
There’s all the time the possibility the Reds transfer a number of of those gamers to deal with different wants (India, particularly, has been rumored to be on the block earlier than) and doing so might enable room for a reunion with Votto.
Toronto Blue Jays
Votto grew up in Toronto so the connection right here is clear. One has to imagine there can be curiosity on his half in enjoying for the group he grew up cheering for. Becoming a member of the Blue Jays would additionally doubtlessly put him proper right into a playoff race, as Toronto ought to be aggressive subsequent season. Votto continues to be chasing a championship ring.
The issue right here is the match, as there is not an apparent one in Toronto. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has first base locked down and he isn’t going wherever. The group might give Votto enjoying time as designated hitter, with Brandon Belt doubtlessly leaving by way of free company.
Seattle Mariners
Seattle goes to be searching for methods to enhance the roster with out essentially breaking the financial institution and there could also be a chance for Votto right here. Ty France was the membership’s main first baseman final season however he might slide over to second, the place the membership has a necessity. Mike Ford noticed a lot of the DH at bats from the left aspect.
Jerry Dipoto is thought for being artistic in addressing wants on his membership’s roster. He might even see the possibility to usher in a veteran chief like Votto as essential to serving to get a younger Mariners roster to the subsequent degree.
MLB Community
This one is not a group that will let Votto proceed his enjoying profession, however let’s face the chance that no group steps ahead with a suggestion price his time. Votto has said he intends to proceed enjoying in 2024, however that does not assure offers might be on the market to his liking. The prospect exists that his enjoying profession could also be over.
Happily, Votto embraced a bit of extra of a public persona during the last two seasons. He is been energetic on social media and fast to share issues behind the scenes all through the season. He clearly has enjoyable doing it, too. He is proven he is personable, clever, well-spoken, goofy when acceptable and his baseball resume speaks for itself. There is no cause the league should not discover placing him on the air.
