The Los Angeles Angels are emerging as a potential destination for Joey Votto, the future Hall of Famer currently in free agency. Jon Heyman, during a recent Bleacher Report live stream, revealed that the Angels are among the teams expressing interest in Votto.
.@JonHeyman says the Angels are one of the teams with interest in Joey Votto pic.twitter.com/fp0VaDX7Mt
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) January 24, 2024
The Cincinnati Reds, where Votto has spent his entire career since being drafted in 2002, seem unlikely to bring him back. President of baseball operations Nick Krall informed season ticket holders that there are no plans to re-sign Votto at this time. This means that if Votto intends to continue his MLB journey at the age of 40, it will be with a new team for the first time.
Nick Krall to season ticket holders after one asked about Joey Votto: “We don’t plan to bring him back as of now.”
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) January 24, 2024
Votto made his major league debut in 2007 and just completed his 17th season with the Reds in 2023. Over his illustrious career, he has earned six All-Star selections, a Gold Glove award, and the 2010 National League MVP title. His career batting line stands at .294/.409/.511 with 356 home runs and 1,144 runs batted in. Votto boasts four seasons with an OPS over 1.000 and has hit at least 20 home runs in nine different seasons.
In the 2023 season, Votto’s playing time was limited, appearing in just 65 games. He managed to hit 14 home runs, tallying 38 RBIs with an OPS of .747. His season was impacted by injuries, including recovery from surgery on his left bicep and rotator cuff, as well as a shoulder injury that led to a stint on the injured list.
Despite these challenges, Votto does not seem inclined to retire just yet, making him a potential fit for the Angels. He played 47 games at first base in the previous season, a position where he could provide valuable depth and mentorship for Nolan Schanuel when needed. Both Votto and Schanuel are left-handed, and Votto is regarded as one of the greatest first basemen in the history of the sport.
The terms of Votto’s potential contract remain uncertain, whether it be a minor-league deal or a cost-effective one-year agreement. Nevertheless, the Angels are well-positioned to pursue this experienced MLB veteran. Heyman also mentioned the Toronto Blue Jays as another team that could be in the running, given the hometown connection and fan interest.