Joey Votto, the revered Cincinnati Reds icon, consistently expressed his desire to continue his baseball career, fueled by his genuine love for the game. Nevertheless, the prospect of remaining a lifelong player for the Reds is no longer feasible.
While some view this development with regret, others embrace the idea of Votto seizing an opportunity elsewhere. The Reds’ strategic shift towards youth in their infield made it evident that there was no longer a spot for Votto on the roster.
Enter an AL East contender, offering the Canadian veteran a new lease on his career. However, this opportunity comes with a caveat—he must prove his worth.
Joey Votto has agreed to a non-roster invite with the Blue Jays. He is back.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 8, 2024
MLB insider Buster Olney shared the news: “Joey Votto has accepted a non-roster invitation with the Blue Jays. He’s back.” At 40 years old, it’s understandable that the Reds opted not to retain him, especially with promising infield prospects like Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jonathan India, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, and Jeimer Candelario.
The Blue Jays are in need of a part-time infielder and a powerful hitter in their lineup, and Votto could potentially fill that role. However, questions linger about his physical condition.
Should he find his rhythm and secure an opportunity, there may still be remnants of his power-hitting and on-base prowess to contribute. In the previous year, Votto demonstrated his capabilities with a commendable .747 OPS and 14 home runs in 208 at-bats.
With a career boasting a remarkable .920 OPS and 356 home runs, the former NL MVP has undeniably excelled. The lingering uncertainty revolves around the extent of his contribution at this juncture. The baseball community eagerly awaits to see how this new chapter unfolds, optimistic about Votto’s chance at resurgence.
