Report: Votto Would Entertain Trade to Blue Jays
Don't close the door on Joey Votto returning home.
Votto, a native of Toronto and one of the best Canadian baseball players of all time, would entertain a trade to the Blue Jays this season under the right circumstances, per The Athletic's Jim Bowden.
Reds general manager Nick Krall reportedly told the media he wants Votto to finish his career in Cincinnati, but if the Reds aren't contending by the August trade deadline and Votto requests a move, he'll consider shipping the 2010 NL MVP to the Blue Jays.
Nick Krall #Reds GM told us their plan is for Joey Votto to finish his career as a Red. However, if the Reds are out of it at the trade deadline and Votto came to them and asked if they would trade him home to Toronto #BlueJays..he said he would consider under those circumstances
— Jim Bowden⚾️ (@JimBowdenGM) March 20, 2023
At 39 years old, Votto is in the final stages of his MLB career. He played in just 91 games last season and slashed .205/.319/.370, a far cry from his .297/.412/.513 career line he built over 16 years in the majors. He's no longer the bonafide slugger of years past, but can still serve as an excellent platoon bat. On the Blue Jays, he'd be an excellent part-time designated hitter or first baseman, much like the role currently occupied by Brandon Belt.
It's unclear if Toronto would be interested in Votto, who's owed $25 million this season with a club option of $20 million for 2024, but the thought of him donning a Blue Jays uniform is unquestionably an exciting possibility for Canadian baseball fans.
