Joey Votto, the revered first baseman and Cincinnati Reds icon, is drawing interest from three teams in the current free-agent market, as reported by MLB insider Bob Nightengale in USA Today. This marks Votto’s first venture into free agency after the Reds chose not to renew his contract last fall, citing an inability to commit to the playing time the 40-year-old slugger deserved.
During his remarkable 17 seasons with the Reds, Votto compiled an impressive resume, boasting a .294 batting average, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBI, 2,135 hits, a .920 OPS, and a 64.4 WAR. His accolades include six All-Star appearances, a Gold Glove, and the prestigious NL MVP title in 2010.
However, recent years have seen Votto contending with injuries, with his 2023 debut delayed until June. The season proved challenging, with Votto recording a career-low .202 batting average, along with 14 home runs, 38 RBI, and a .747 OPS.
While Nightengale did not disclose the names of the interested teams, speculation is rife that the Toronto Blue Jays may be considering Votto. Born and raised in Canada, Votto holds the status of arguably being the best Canadian player in MLB history.
Veteran free-agent first baseman Joey Votto, the beloved former Cincinnati Reds' six-time All-Star and MVP, has three teams now expressing interest in him.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 11, 2024
Having amassed over $260 million in salary since his 2007 major league debut, Votto concluded his recent six-season stint with the Reds, each year earning $25 million, coupled with a $7 million buyout when his option was declined.
Despite reaching the age of 40, Votto continues to exhibit versatility, with approximately 70% of his appearances in the past season at first base rather than designated hitter. The question remains whether teams in the open market still place value on his defensive capabilities, but he undeniably remains a reliable presence capable of contributing significantly on the field.
Leave a Reply