Cincinnati Reds slugger Joey Votto is entering the final year of a 10-year, $225 million contract he signed in 2014.
The deal, however, includes a $20 million team option for 2024, with a $7 million buyout.
At 39 years old and declining, it’s highly unlikely that Votto gets moved considering his price, unless he recovers his 2021 form (36 home runs, .938 OPS).
Never say never, though, especially when the player has strong roots back home.
Votto is Canadian, born and raised in Toronto.
He has played for his country in the World Baseball Classic (back in 2009) and there is a chance he would consider playing for the Blue Jays.
Whether the Blue Jays consider trading for him is another subject, but they could if he is hitting like he did a couple of years ago.
The Reds’ general manager spoke about the situation to The Athletic’s MLB insider and former general manager Jim Bowden.
“Nick Krall #Reds GM told us their plan is for Joey Votto to finish his career as a Red. However, if the Reds are out of it at the trade deadline and Votto came to them and asked if they would trade him home to Toronto #BlueJays..he said he would consider under those circumstances,” Bowden tweeted.
Nick Krall #Reds GM told us their plan is for Joey Votto to finish his career as a Red. However, if the Reds are out of it at the trade deadline and Votto came to them and asked if they would trade him home to Toronto #BlueJays..he said he would consider under those circumstances
— Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 (@JimBowdenGM) March 20, 2023
It would be nice to see Votto retire as a Red, having made his debut there in 2007 and building a nice Hall of Fame case over the years.
On the other hand, if he wants to play home in Toronto, that would be nice, too.
In any case, Votto has earned the right to have a strong say in where he wants to play.
NEXT: The Reds Have A Prospect Making Noise This Week
