Report: Angels Former MVP Free Agent Target Signs With Toronto Blue Jays

He confirmed it with a post on X.

Canada's native son is coming home.

Several reports circulated on social media on Friday morning that Joey Votto agreed to a non-roster invite with the Toronto Blue Jays. He later confirmed it.

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

The Los Angeles Angels were rumored to be interested in bringing the longtime Cincinnati Reds first baseman to Southern California but his hometown team swooped in.

Per Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, the deal "contains a base salary of $2 million in major leagues with $2 million more in incentives, per source."

The 40-year-old spent the last 17 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds and was a six-time All-Star and 2010 National League MVP. 

Among active players, he is the MLB leader in hits (2,135), plate appearances (8,746), total bases (3,706) and walks (1,365). 

Votto made his major league debut in 2007 after being drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 draft. As a Red, he batted .294 with 2,135 hits, 356 homers, and 1,144 RBIs in 2,056 games.

The last two seasons have been marred by a shoulder injury that required surgery and last season was a career-worst. He finished with a .202 batting average, 14 home runs, and 38 RBIs in 65 games.

The Blue Jays have not made an official announcement.