Somebody wants to present Reds legend Joey Votto a job.
The Reds merely do not need room for his or her franchise icon. Their youth motion has supplied outcomes, with Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Spencer Steer displaying their potential.
Jeimer Candelario signed a three-year deal to take over at third base, shifting Steer from the recent nook. That signing and the Reds children have left Votto on the surface trying in.
Bob Nightengale from USA Right now reported in the course of January that three groups had been serious about Votto. Nevertheless, Votto stays available on the market, ready for a group needing a veteran presence and a primary baseman.
Votto has stored busy, comparable to his quest to seek out mascots through the NHL All-Star Recreation, however he desires to play once more. In any case, he would not examine himself to Sandra Bullock and ask for George Clooney’s assist in any other case.
The place may Joey Votto find yourself? Let us take a look at three attainable touchdown spots.
1. Cleveland Guardians
Josh Naylor, the incumbent at first for the Guardians, was their greatest hitter when it comes to OPS+ in 2023. Nevertheless, he’s atop the depth chart at each first and DH.
Kyle Manzardo is without doubt one of the high first-base prospects within the sport however is a non-roster invitee in spring coaching. Nevertheless, the Guardians may maintain him within the minors to sport his service time. Such a transfer would go away utility man David Fry as the opposite first baseman on the roster.
Votto could also be getting older, however he would nonetheless present a strong bat and veteran management to a younger roster needing each. He may very well be an ideal match for a group nonetheless hoping to contend in a weaker division.
2. San Diego Padres
The Padres are additionally a group in transition with a watch towards contending for a playoff berth. Jake Cronenworth is at the moment atop their depth chart at first however is greatest suited to a utility position.
The infield can be considerably unsettled as Manny Machado might not be able to play at third come Opening Day. Machado can be listed atop the depth chart at each third and DH.
Votto may fill a void at first till Machado is prepared for the recent nook, then slide as San Diego’s DH. Though the Padres have been chopping payroll, Votto may very well be the best choice.
3. Los Angeles Angels
First base is locked up for the foreseeable future for the Angels. Nolan Schanuel went from being the eleventh general choice within the 2023 MLB Draft to the beginning first baseman in lower than two months.
The DH place, nevertheless, is way more unsettled. Brandon Drury is atop the depth chart because the DH and second baseman for the Angels. Luis Rengifo will think about at second however will likely be wanted across the infield. Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon may also issue within the DH combine because the Angels hope to maintain each gamers wholesome by 2024.
Nevertheless, if the Angels want to have a set choice at DH, Votto may very well be that piece. He would additionally be capable to function a mentor for Schanuel as he will get extra accustomed to the majors, serving to train him what it takes to deal with the place.
The match shouldn’t be fairly nearly as good as it might be in San Diego or Cleveland, however the Angels are a sensible touchdown spot.
