It’s his first time in free agency, but Joey Votto’s mentality has him getting ready to suit up during the 2024 season.
“I will be at spring training, that’s where my head is at,” Votto told The Athletic’s C. Trent Rosencrans in a phone call recently.
Three teams reportedly are interested in the veteran first baseman after he was denied his 2024 option by the Reds. He had spent all 17 seasons of his career donning a Cincinnati uniform.
“Maybe I’m completely disconnected from this new reality and maybe I’m oblivious to where I really am, but I just don’t feel concerned about it,” Votto said added. “As long as I’m feeling strong and healthy, this is a good place to be.”
Votto also took to social media to describe his feelings about free agency.
“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.”
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
Votto told Rosencrans that he had watched many of his teammates go through free agency, but the concept was completely foreign to the six-time All-Star.
“I’ve probably been ignorant to their experience and now that I’m in the middle of it, it’s eye-opening. It’s a change,” he said. “But such is life and such is a professional career, especially in sport. To stay with one organization for 22 years and basically … know where I was going to play each year and to have the same house and the same drive to and from work for as long as I did — I mean, if I’m going to complain about that, then I’m not connected to the reality of sport.”
Votto also added if he’s healthy, he can play for anyone and he’s mentally prepared to be a part of a team come spring.
“I’m just thinking about entering spring training and honing in on the first at-bat of spring training,” Votto said. “That’s where my head is at, I’m thinking about attacking and being in a healthy, strong place to be able to be competitive physically. That’s the only thing I think about on a daily basis with my continued strength training and physical therapy and the immense progress I’ve made over the last two months.
“It’s odd, it’s weird to say this out loud, but I don’t feel like I need to sell or say too much because when I’m well, I think I’m just part of the game.”
Across his career, Votto totaled 2,135 hits, 1,144 RBI and 356 home runs, slashing a career .294/.409/.511 with a 144 OPS+.
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.