Six-time MLB All-Star Joey Votto has been seeking an MLB opportunity this offseason in hopes of prolonging his already legendary baseball career. And on Friday, he got his wish thanks to his hometown team.
At 40 years of age, Votto hasn’t had all that many suitors to choose from. But he will now have an opportunity to make the opening-day roster with the Toronto Blue Jays.
ESPN’s Buster Olney first broke the news on Friday of the Blue Jays signing Votto to a minor league deal. He will be starting the season on the outside looking in off the team’s active roster. It does include a spring training invite, so Votto will have the chance to prove himself.
Joey Votto has agreed to a non-roster invite with the Blue Jays. He is back.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 8, 2024
Votto took to social media to offer his excitement about the deal, saying that the fact that it was the Blue Jays that are bringing him in made it “even sweeter”.
“I am excited about the opportunity to work my way back to the Major Leagues,” tweeted Votto. “It’s even sweeter to attempt this while wearing the uniform of my hometown team, the Toronto Blue Jays.”
I am excited about the opportunity to work my way back to the Major Leagues. It’s even sweeter to attempt this while wearing the uniform of my hometown team, the Toronto Blue Jays. https://t.co/s7xEFLKe8V
— Joey Votto (@JoeyVotto) March 8, 2024
Naturally, fans were extremely happy to hear that a team is taking a chance on a proven player like Votto.
Well it’s about time. Congrats! https://t.co/KfoNZdvb9N
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) March 8, 2024
This is a very happy turn of events. Joey Votto a Blue Jay. https://t.co/MCwINxj9Qh
— Tom Harrington (@cbctom) March 8, 2024
We’ll always love ya here, Joe. Excited for you. https://t.co/iXrzlk6Koc pic.twitter.com/eS0WNbQTKc
— Dylan (@dmoody46) March 8, 2024
This is great for baseball! Guys shouldn’t be forced out when there’s a lot left in the tank. Love that Toronto gave this man a shot to keep going https://t.co/tQppEmT3Y2
— Brandon Serrano (@B_scott98) March 8, 2024
Not sure why it took so long, but good to know I can talk things into existence. https://t.co/KTdbjMhSPf
— Ben Ennis (@SportsnetBen) March 8, 2024
Votto will be looking to bounce back from what was one of the worst statistical seasons of his 17-year MLB career, hitting for just a .202 batting average with 14 home runs.
It would certainly be a terrific story if Votto was able to stick around with the Blue Jays major league team through spring training and into the regular season.
But regardless, it has to feel great for Votto to be able to wear a Blue Jays jersey before he does call it a career, regardless of whether or not he makes the opening-day roster.
[Joey Votto on Twitter/X, Buster Olney on Twitter/X]
