"I may stink (but) I doubt it” - Joey Votto ready for minor-league grind with Blue Jays, hopeful of MLB return

Many players may choose to retire in their 40s, but Joey Votto isn’t one of them. The former Cincinnati Reds veteran signed a minor league deal with an invitation for spring training with the Toronto Blue Jays, marking his 18th professional season in MLB.

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Votto has had an illustrious 17-year career, oriented by several notable achievements like six All-Star nods, a Gold Glove, along with an MVP title. Despite having a resumé worth becoming a Cooperstown resident, Votto is still passionate about playing the game.

Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reported on X (formerly Twitter) that Votto is excited to play for his hometown team, the Toronto Blue Jays. He will start in the minors, but is determined to be a regular in the big league this season.

“Describing himself as a minor-league player who’s trying to make a team, Joey Votto says he’s excited for the chance to make the Blue Jays. He’s willing to go to the minors & work his way up but sounds confident he can still do a lot of damage. “I may stink (but) I doubt it” - Ben Nicholson-Smith tweeted.

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Although spring training has already started, getting a spot in the regulars shouldn't be too hard for an All-Star like Votto. Having been in this profession for nearly two decades, he knows what is to be expected.

Joey Votto isn’t done with the game

Joey Votto was drafted as a second-rounder by the Cincinnati Reds in 2002. He debuted against the New York Mets in 2007, and never looked back. Votto stayed in Cincinnati for 17 straight seasons without becoming a free agent.

Votto played 2,056 games with a slash line of .294/.409/.511. He recorded 1,144 RBIs, including 356 home runs and a. 920 OPS. Additionally, Votto became a member of 2,000 career hits and scored 1,171 runs.

In 2023, the team management decided to bid farewell to their legend by rejecting his $20 million option. However, Votto wasn’t ready to end his career. After becoming a free agent for the first time, he joined social media, where he cleared his intention to continue playing the game.

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Now that Votto is playing for his hometown team, it would be a wonderful way to end his professional career. It'd be even more memorable if he helps the team win a World Series in 2024.

About the author

Sayan has been a Major League Baseball journalist at Sportskeeda since 2023. A geography graduate, Sayan discovered America's favorite pastime through anime during his high school days. The excitement of every home run and strikeout ignited a passion within him for the diamond, and he started playing the MLB's Android games, further enhancing his interest.

While the New York Yankees were the first MLB team Sayan was introduced to, it's the LA Dodgers that hold a special place in his heart. They were the first team he saw lift the World Series (2020) when he began following the sport. Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw are some of Sayan's favorite MLB players, while Dusty Baker is his favorite manager.

Sayan's main strength is in-depth analysis of stats and reporting from a neutral point of view. To ensure accuracy in his articles, he only refers to MLB insiders and experts for information.

When not watching baseball, Sayan likes to relax by watching anime. He also loves following the NBA, NFL and international Chess events during his free time, and is always eager to discuss sports with like-minded enthusiasts.

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Edited by Kevin McCormick