Joey Votto is a free agent for the primary time in his profession after the Cincinnati Reds declined his choice following the 2023 season. It has been seemingly unusual for the veteran slugger, who in contrast the sensation to being caught in outer area.
Whereas the market won’t be too sturdy for the 17-year veteran as his profession is winding down, he nonetheless has some left within the tank. This leads us to discover which staff might signal Votto this winter.
AI believes the Toronto Blue Jays have the most effective shot at signing Joey Votto
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AI factors to the Toronto Blue Jays as the highest staff to signal Joey Votto. For starters, Votto is an Ontario, Canada native, and signing with the Blue Jays would give him a shot to play in entrance of his house nation.
On prime of being born in Canada, the Blue Jays additionally want a left-handed designated hitter heading into the 2024 season. Votto would supply stability to a primarily right-handed lineup.
Votto is coming off a season the place he appeared in 65 video games, hitting .202/.314/.433 with 14 house runs and 38 RBIs. He missed the primary half of the season as he was rehabbing from his shoulder surgical procedure in 2022.
Another excuse the Blue Jays look like a probable vacation spot for Votto is his positional flexibility. His skill to DH and play first base provides Toronto some flexibility all through the season. Votto might give Vladimir Guerrero Jr. relaxation whereas he picks up the slack at 1B.
Guerrero Jr. performed in all however six video games final season. Whereas he made his third consecutive All-Star recreation look, he completed the season two factors shy of a career-low batting common.
One final motive AI sees Toronto as the highest staff to signal Joey Votto is their willingness to spend. They’ve made the postseason in three of the final 4 seasons however have been eradicated within the Wild Card spherical every time. They want one other participant or two to take the staff over the hump.
Toronto has already signed Isiah Kiner-Falefa to a two-year deal and Kevin Kiermaier to a one-year contract. Signing Votto wouldn’t be earth-shattering, however it will proceed to assist form this roster.
The larger query Blue Jays followers ought to concern themselves with is whether or not Matt Chapman is returning. After declining his qualifying supply, he’s at the moment a free agent, and he can be a troublesome piece to lose.