The Cincinnati Reds would like to see their All-Star first baseman Joey Votto spend his entire career with the franchise. However, if Votto decides he wants to play for his hometown Toronto Blue Jays at some point in the 2023 MLB season, the Reds would be willing to make that happen for him.
Speaking with CBS Sports’ Jim Bowden on Monday, the Reds’ general manager Nick Krall said that the current plan is for Votto to retire as a Red. But in the case that Cincinnati is out of playoff contention before the trade deadline this upcoming season and Votto asks to go to Toronto, then Krall would give him the green light.
Of course, it isn’t enough for the Reds and Votto to sign in on the deal. The Blue Jays would also have to be interested and think that the 39-year-old can help them win baseball games.
Born and raised in Toronto, Joey Votto was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds out of high school in 2002. He made his majors debut in 2007 and went on to become the face of the franchise in years to come. Votto earned six All-Star appearances over the years while also being named NL MVP in 2010.
Approaching the end of his professional career, Votto would likely appreciate the opportunity to play for a contender and add a World Series ring to his resume. It is unlikely that will happen in Cincinnati, considering that the team is in the midst of a rebuild and have failed to make the playoffs in the past two seasons. The ascending Blue Jays, on the other hand, are establishing themselves as one of the AL powerhouses.
