The Toronto Blue Jays announced the signing of Joey Votto on Friday, March 7th, 2024. There had been talks of Votto signing with the Jays, but the signing was still a surprise. It had seemed like the Blue Jays were done signing more players, but Votto was still available, and he wanted to play in a Jays uniform. In November, the Cincinnati Reds declined a $20 million option on Votto’s 10-year, $225 million contract signed in 2012. Votto has never played for another team.
Votto talked about how it appeared at the time that major-league deals were available to him. But he agreed to a $2 million, one-year minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. The 40-year-old first-baseman Votto recorded a .202 batting average, 14 home runs, 42 hits, and 38 RBIs with the Reds last season. Votto debuted in 2007, won the National League Most Valuable Player in 2010, and amassed a Hall of Fame resume over 17 seasons with the Reds.
Joey Votto’s Addition Is Positive For The Blue Jays
Canadian Baseball Icon Joey Votto
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
Just when we thought the Blue Jays were finished signing players, they surprised us by signing Votto, which was a pleasant surprise. Votto was born in Toronto, so fans are excited to have him sign as a Blue Jay. Votto’s best season was when Votto recorded a .326 season batting average. This was Votto’s second-best batting average of his career. But this was behind his 2012 season, where he hit .337. and 29 home runs. This was second only to his 2010 MVP season. Joey Votto played 17 seasons for the Reds. He had a .294 batting average, 2135 hits, 356 home runs, 1144 RBIs, and 1171 runs scored. Votto was an appealing player that was available for the Blue Jays to sign.
Votto led the Reds in batting average, hits, total bases, and RBI compared to his teammates. It will be great for the Blue Jays to get whatever Votto has left in him, as Votto is now 40. The claim can be made that Votto is the best first baseman in Reds MLB history. Fans are proud to have Votto as a Blue Jay. Votto grew up in Toronto and attended games at the Rogers Centre. Votto dreamed of playing in the same uniform as star players like Joe Carter. It will benefit the Blue Jays to have a veteran player—especially one who can draw a crowd at home games this season.
Votto was unsigned weeks into Spring Training. Votto had been making a statement on his social media channels for a team to give him a chance. Fans are content that the Blue Jays took a chance on him. With the Blue Jays, Votto will compete with fellow non-roster invitee Daniel Vogelbach and prospect Spencer Horwitz for a left-handed bench role. But it is hard to imagine the Blue Jays bringing in Votto — a Canadian baseball icon — and not providing a spot for him. People want to see Votto play, and having a Canadian baseball icon on the Blue Jays roster appeals to fans and the MLB.
That’s A Wrap
Best of luck @JoeyVotto back home. Hope you nothing but the best for you, can’t wait to see you back in the bigs.
It will be strange seeing you in a jersey aside from a Reds one!
— Him Duncan (@BigItaly42) March 8, 2024
Votto’s signing with the Blue Jays provides the Blue Jays with a great bench player on the roster. It is a dream come true for many fans for Votto to end his time with the Reds. As well as playing in a Blue Jays uniform. Votto believes he still has some juice left in him. He comes to a time in his career when he gets older as a significant baseball player. He is not the same 2010 MVP Votto we once witnessed. However, Votto can still bring something for the Blue Jays. He wants to prove this by playing with his hometown team. It is an honor to have Votto sign with the Blue Jays. He is happy that the Blue Jays took a chance on him while he was still available.
Main Photo Credits: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
