Veteran slugger Joey Votto is very sad that spring training is underway, and he’s still a free agent.
How sad is Votto? Sad enough to post a strange video on social media showing him sitting in his car, going through a car wash, with a sad-looking face.
Votto finally breaks several seconds of uncomfortable silence by saying, “This is not spring training.”
Fox Sports’ MLB X account spoke for many fans by responding, “Somebody please sign Joey Votto … this is heartbreaking,” with a broken heart emoji.
Somebody please sign Joey Votto… this is heartbreaking 💔
(via @JoeyVotto) pic.twitter.com/FjuuQ9478J
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 23, 2024
Many fans pointed out that Votto appears to be wearing a St. Louis Cardinals hat in the video. Should we make something of that fact?
This is definitely a new experience for the 40-year-old veteran. The six-time All-Star and former MVP has played his entire 17-year career for the Cincinnati Reds.
He knew free agency would be a tough experience, posting a tweet in December comparing his situation to a scene from the 2013 movie Gravity.
Being a free agent is like that scene from Gravity where Sandra Bullock detaches from the Explorer. You’re all alone, no one is answering your calls, and you don’t know if you’ll get back to base. Your only hope is George Clooney saving you.
Save me, George.
— Joey Votto (@JoeyVotto) December 28, 2023
Unfortunately for Votto, Clooney is not a GM with any MLB club. A few teams have expressed some interest in the first baseman/DH. Despite being on the wrong side of 40, Votto still swung a league-average bat last season (14 home runs in 202 at-bats, 99 OPS+).
So some team could benefit from Votto’s services. Signing him would also prevent any more of these sad videos.
Votto rocking a Redbirds hat. That's awesome. Maybe the Cardinals have an extra roster spot for even more leadership 😅 https://t.co/PMMPfvauCo
— Cardinals Stats And Facts (@STL_Stats_Facts) February 24, 2024
At every mlb team: SIGN THIS MAN! https://t.co/AJlzqyyU13
— ⭐️Lorraine Rivera ⭐ (@roxygirl7985) February 23, 2024
Cardinals, do it. There’s zero reason to do it, but do it anyway. All time vibes guy. https://t.co/Gy5yagauxW
— Thiago Pinheiro (@tiguts) February 23, 2024
Hey @astros you do need an experienced left handed bat who’s good at getting on base that can DH and play first. A one year deal wouldn’t hurt. https://t.co/GinXbolbrZ
— K.C. Richards (@thelinedrive) February 23, 2024
I hate seeing this
No one could have given him a 1 year? https://t.co/mKua1BGV9I— MandoSnark (@MandoSnarky) February 23, 2024
