The wait is over for first baseman and former NL MVP Joey Votto.
He had his farewell as a Cincinnati Reds player – a uniform he proudly defended from 2007 until last year – in 2023, and even though fans considered the fact he played for just one team “romantic,” they mostly ignored Votto’s desires: he wanted to keep being a major leaguer.
The Reds declined their option and moved on, which is their choice and has to be respected.
Votto took a while to consider his options, and it was announced on Friday that he has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as a non-roster invite.
He was born in Ontario, Canada, so Votto will be effectively returning home.
That is if he makes the roster, though: he will have to show he still has what it takes to contribute at the MLB level.
Fans reacted to his decision to sign with Toronto, return home, leave the Reds, and extend his playing career.
The vast majority of the messages were in support of Votto pursuing another chance.
WHO NEEDS SHOHEI WHEN WE CAN HAVE CANDIAN LEGEND JOEY VOTTO
— BSL (@bigscreenleaks) March 8, 2024
Good for Votto. Would love to see him succeed. Seems like an all around good guy
— Dylan Wilkerson (@wilkersonadylan) March 8, 2024
IT'S ABOUT TIME!! pic.twitter.com/1kSoc9qI7H
— Hard Rock Bet (@HardRockBet) March 8, 2024
Happy for Votto and the game of baseball in general
— Tampa Tones (@TampaTones) March 8, 2024
HOLY MAJOR W
— Philly Sports Sufferer (@mccrystal_alex) March 8, 2024
Votto is not only going to the country in which he was born, but he is also going to a contender.
If he can win a spot on the Blue Jays, he has the potential of helping a team in competition for a division crown, and that has to feel good for the 40-year-old star.
He has accomplished a lot in the game of baseball, but he has never won a World Series, or even a pennant.
Toronto gives him a fair chance of competing at the highest level.
That’s all he wants.
NEXT: Joey Votto Sends A Message After Signing New Deal