After 17 years in a Cincinnati Reds uniform, first baseman Joey Votto finds himself as a free agent for the first time in his career at the age of 40. There is a strong possibility that he could choose to hang up the cleats, ending an impressive big-league career, but he indicated earlier this offseason that he has a desire to play at least one more season. Votto had a tough 2023 season with the Reds hitting .202/.314/.433 but did manage 14 home runs in 65 games. Still, he has shown some potential in his bat and could find a home to employ his services before he retires.

Toronto Blue Jays

One of the best players to come from Canada, it seems like a no-brainer for Votto to return and play in his hometown to cap off his career. The Blue Jays could benefit from Votto’s services, employing him in the same type of role as Brandon Belt in 2023. The lineup is heavy on the right-hand side, giving Votto a chance to help balance things out from the left side a bit. What better option to help mentor Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on the finer arts of hitting and playing first base than a former MVP? He’d likely only play first base occasionally, spending more time competing for at-bats as the designated hitter. At the very least, Votto could serve in a platoon situation where he could utilize his .951 OPS against right-handed pitchers. The Blue Jays have expressed some degree of interest and while it would be nice for him to spend his entire career with one team, heading to Canada is a nice alternative outcome.

Milwaukee Brewers

Heading into 2024 the Brewers have Jake Bauers and Tyrone Taylor penciled in as the regulars at first base and DH respectively. They aren’t exactly the most inspiring options and they could consider adding Votto as a possibility among other candidates. Having played in the same division his whole career, Votto is quite familiar with the Brewers home ballpark and has 24 home runs and a .978 OPS in his career at American Family Field. An additional veteran bat that can play first base could help the Brewers as they continue to navigate whatever transition it is they seem to be going through. There are plenty of questions remaining about their starting rotation and bullpen, but the offense still needs some help. At the very least, the leadership that Votto could bring would be priceless and giving him a chance to reach the playoffs again in the same division would be a nice gift for his career. He’d likely have to settle a minor league contract and battle for a spot in spring training, but that may be a worthwhile pursuit.

Baltimore Orioles

Now, the Orioles have no need to add Votto. They are pretty well set across-the-board position player-wise with more homegrown talent on the way. Yet, Votto’s leadership could blend well with what the Orioles are building. He’d have a chance to play on an exciting young team that would benefit from his nearly 20 seasons of professional baseball as one of the game’s best hitters. The team is pretty well set at first base and DH, but it never hurts to have a reliable veteran backup for either position. This move to Baltimore would also give him opportunities to play in Toronto as well as notable venues like Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park, giving him some national exposure as he goes on a farewell tour.

San Diego Padres

The rumors continue to swirl around the idea that the Padres are trying to get under a $200 million payroll, meaning they are trying to sell off pieces that they can. Jake Cronenworth has been playing first base and is under a large contract but the team could look to move him. Should they move him, it would leave an opening at first base for the team to fill with a stop-gap if they don’t want to spend big on a free agent. Ideally, Votto would get a decent, albeit cheaper deal, that would be palatable for the Padres. The team already has plenty of veterans, but Votto could fill in at first base for at least one season and provide a veteran left-handed bat that compliments the team and could help them learn a thing or two about hitting. Votto is a disciplined bat and as mentioned before still can hit for power. The Padres at this point could use more time to figure out their plans for the future and Votto could provide a bit of that time for what is likely to be his final season as a player.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it’s going to be tough to predict any team that Votto could go to. He is 40 years old and there are many younger and productive first basemen out there for teams to pick up. Still, what team wouldn’t at least want to try and take advantage of his keen baseball intellect and ability and have him a resource for players on your roster? When healthy he has been able to be a force at the big league level (see his 2021 season), but why couldn’t he find a way to be like Nelson Cruz for at least one more season? His services are still valuable in some form and while it’s a shame to see the Reds move on from him, there is still a way for Votto to have one last ride before retiring to be a bus driver.