With Opening Day quickly approaching, the ultra-popular Joey Votto remains without a team.
At 40-years-old, his best days are long behind him, but Votto has made it clear he still hungry to play.
Free agency is unfamiliar territory for Votto who has spent his entire 17-year career with the Cincinnati Reds.
Reds fans will always love Joey Votto ❤️
"That's my neighbor, Joey" pic.twitter.com/hhJ8ExBpaZ
— Votto De La Cruz (@EvilJoeyVotto) March 7, 2024
As far as where he might play next, ESPN’s Buster Olney mentioned two strong possibilities: the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels.
We just had Joey Votto on our broadcast; he is dying to play. Lives 25 minutes from the Jays’ park; could be a really good fit there, in a very right-handed lineup. Angels another possible fit.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 7, 2024
Perhaps Olney’s report has more to do with where Votto “prefers” to play rather than the Blue Jays and Angels being genuinly interested.
Having said that, Votto would be a wise veteran addition to any club. He’s not looking to break the bank and simply just wants to play baseball and mentor young players.
As Olney mentioned, Votto lives 25 minutes away from Rogers Centre in Toronto, so the Jays are most likely Votto’s ideal club – especially since they are now playoff contenders.
Make it happen!!!
Can give Vladdy a day off at first and play at an elite level on the field. A feel good hometown story too.
14HR in only around 200AB Votto can still mash!!!— Jaime Carlos (@JMCarlos33) March 8, 2024
On the other hand, I’m sure Votto would enjoy the weather out in California.
Although the Angels can never seem to get out of their own way, they do have talent on the club despite losing Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers.
If things ever break their way, they could possibly make a little noise in October (although unlikely).
The more I think about it, the more Joey Votto just seems perfect for the Angels.
A team trying to do things the right way for the first time in a decade with Ron Washington at the helm. Joey always played the game the right way. LA fans will love him & he has so much knowledge
— The Walkoff Podcast (@Walkoffpodcast) March 7, 2024
While Votto remains a big name, let’s not make him out to be Bryce Harper or anything.
Due to his age and recent injury history (only played in 65 games last season), there’s only so much he has left to offer on the field.
But there are very few players as respected around the league as Votto. He’s a veteran leader who still has value.
Joey Votto is a national treasure ❤️pic.twitter.com/Ug1OCJwGhF
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) February 29, 2024
Where do you think Votto will end up?
Would the Blue Jays or Angels be a better fit?
How much does he truly have left in the tank???