Cincinnati Reds legend Joey Votto always said that he wanted to keep playing baseball.
It’s the game he loves.
Apparently, however, he won’t be a one-team player anymore.
Some see it as a shame, but others are happy to see him getting an opportunity to play somewhere else: it was clear by the Reds’ youth movement in their infield that there wasn’t a spot for Votto to be part of the roster.
Now, an AL East contender is giving the Canadian another chance to extend his career.
He will have to earn it, though.
“Joey Votto has agreed to a non-roster invite with the Blue Jays. He is back,” MLB insider Buster Olney tweeted.
Joey Votto has agreed to a non-roster invite with the Blue Jays. He is back.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 8, 2024
Votto is 40, so it’s understandable that the Reds didn’t want to bring him back when they have Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jonathan India, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, and Jeimer Candelario, among others, in the infield.
The Blue Jays could use a part-time infielder and a slugger in their lineup.
However, his physical condition remains a mystery.
If he gets into a rhythm and gets a chance, there might still be some pop and on-base ability left in his bat to help someone.
Last year, he posted a solid .747 OPS and 14 home runs in 208 at-bats.
The former NL MVP has a career .920 OPS and 356 home runs, so yes: he has been excellent.
How much he can contribute at this point?
We will find out soon enough, but the baseball world is happy to see him getting a chance.
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