After playing 65 games in 2023 and 17 seasons for the Cincinnati Reds, first baseman Joey Votto has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.
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Breaking: Joey Votto has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays, sources told @Buster_ESPN. pic.twitter.com/tkidWDAc4G
— ESPN (@espn) March 8, 2024
Votto, 40, is a Toronto native and will look to return home and suit up for the major league ball club. In 65 games last season, he had 242 plate appearances with a .202/.314/.433 line, 14 home runs, and 38 RBIs. Over his 17-year career with the Reds, Votto posted a line of .294/.409/.511 with 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, and 2,135 all-time hits.
Fans on X reacted to the news of Votto leaving the Reds.
I always liked Votto, but come on man. Just stay retired and go out a Red https://t.co/0fDEaYypdc
— Zach Hagan (@ZachHagan) March 8, 2024
"I always liked Votto, but come on man. Just stay retired and go out a Red," one fan wrote.
"Joey Votto is a legend that just keeps going for the love of the game. Doesn't need to. Unless he really does. Gotta respect it," someone else wrote.
Votto himself also commented on the move.
I am excited about the opportunity to work my way back to the Major Leagues. It’s even sweeter to attempt this while wearing the uniform of my hometown team, the Toronto Blue Jays. https://t.co/s7xEFLKe8V
— Joey Votto (@JoeyVotto) March 8, 2024
"I am excited about the opportunity to work my way back to the Major Leagues. It's even sweeter to attempt this while wearing the uniform of my hometown team, the Toronto Blue Jays," Votto wrote on X.
The Connection between @JoeyVotto and The City of Cincinnati is one that will be forever remembered. Joey Votto, thank you for making me a Baseball Fan ❤️ pic.twitter.com/S5ocy0TrXi
— SirBoywonder513⚾️ (@SirBoywonder513) March 8, 2024
"The Connection between @JoeyVotto and The City of Cincinnati is one that will be forever remembered. Joey Votto, thank you for making me a Baseball Fan," one Reds fan wrote.
Joey Votto has reportedly signed a minor league deal with the #Bluejays
This has been a tough offseason but shoutout to Ross Atkins for bringing Votto back to Canada
Welcome home king 🍁 pic.twitter.com/hcuAZ625d6
— Blue Jays Today (@TodayJays) March 8, 2024
"Joey Votto has reportedly signed a minor league deal with the #Bluejays
This has been a tough offseason but shoutout to Ross Atkins for bringing Votto back to Canada
Welcome home king," someone else said.
To this point, Votto is a six-time All-Star, won the NL MVP in 2010, the Hank Aaron Award in 2010, and a Golden Gloves in 2011. He was drafted No. 44 overall in the 2002 MLB Draft by the Reds.
Votto has only played over 100 games once over the past four seasons. In 2021, he played 129 games and hit .266/.375/.563 with 36 home runs and 99 RBIs.
Whether you agree with his decision or not, it'll be intriguing to see Votto suit up with his hometown team if he performs well enough.
