Angels Reportedly Showing Interest In Former MVP In Free Agency

It sounds like Los Angeles could look to sign the former MVP.

The Los Angeles Angels could use some more offensive depth.

Outside of signing free agent outfielder Aaron Hicks, general manager Perry Minasian hasn't made any additions to his position player core since last season ended. 

The Angels won just 73 games in 2023, and now will be without the services of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. The void at designated hitter looms large without the reigning American League Most Valuable Player.

Minasian ought to have money to allocate toward his player payroll. Owner Arte Moreno is typically willing to spend up to the first luxury tax threshold – $237 million this year — and has only committed an estimated $188 million for luxury tax purposes to his roster. Some free agents who could be of some help are still available. 

While Moreno might not want to make a major investment at this point, one player who could help and add some veteran leadership without breaking the bank is former National League MVP Joey Votto, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

"The Angels still seem interested in Joey Votto," Heyman said.

Votto still is looking for his next opportunity but hasn't been able to find one yet. He's 40 years old, so he's likely looking at more of a depth role at this point in his career. For an Angels team with a large void at DH — and an unproven first baseman in Nolan Schanuel, their first-round draft pick just last year — Votto makes some sense. 

The veteran slugger could help mentor some of the Angels' younger players while bringing his patience, power, and left-handed stroke to a lineup missing its best left-handed power hitter. 

Votto appeared in just 65 games last season for the Cincinnati Reds, but he clubbed 14 home runs and drove in 38 runs over that stretch. While not what he once was, Votto has been one of the best hitters in baseball over the last 17 years. He's also a fan favorite with a popular social media following:

Someone sign this man our society is collapsing pic.twitter.com/jFs3PySUwb

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 28, 2024

For an Angels fan base that could use a jolt of energy, Votto deserves a chance as much as any free agent on the market.