Joey Votto’s journey in the MLB

MLB player Joey Votto.

MLB player Joey Votto.LAPRESSE

over the past two decades, Joey Votto has solidified his position as one of baseball’s premier hitters, sparking conversations about a potential Hall of Fame induction. Yet, after an illustrious 17-year tenure with the Cincinnati Reds, the 40-year-old now faces the challenge of seeking a new team as a first-time free agent.

In a recent chat on “Flippin’ Bats,” Votto shared his enthusiasm for continuing his baseball journey, emphasizing, “So, in my head, the next time I play, I’ll be so excited and grateful to be able to get back on a major-league field, get back on a baseball field and compete. That’s really all where my head is at.” Despite his free-agent status, his optimism about his future in the game remains undimmed.

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Puñetazos, empujones… Así fue la batalla campal entre los Reds y los Pirates de la MLBTwitter

Votto’s current predicament stems from two injury-riddled and unproductive seasons. While he ranked ninth in expected weighted on-base average (wxOBA) in 2021, signaling his enduring prowess, a left shoulder surgery in August 2022 to mend a torn rotator cuff took a toll on his performance in 2023. This resulted in a career-low batting average of .202 and a 99 OPS+ in nearly 9,000 plate appearances.

Post-surgery, Votto grappled with challenges related to strength and range of motion, hampering his swing effectiveness. Nevertheless, he dedicated his entire offseason to intense rehabilitation and training, aiming to showcase his ability to compete at an elite level. “Nothing’s changed. And I’m among many players that are dealing with this circumstance,” Votto remarked, acknowledging the shared struggles of fellow athletes facing similar setbacks.

While Votto’s future in Major League Baseball remains uncertain, his unyielding determination and love for the game remain steadfast. He stays connected with fans and remains fixated on making a return to the field. As he navigates through free agency, Votto’s resilience and commitment to surmounting obstacles stand as a testament to his unwavering devotion to baseball. “For as much as he enjoys talking about baseball, he still wants nothing more than to be digging into a spring training batter’s box and playing baseball,” underscoring his enduring passion.

Just recently, Joey Votto confirmed that he’s inked a non-roster deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, signaling his readiness to embrace a new chapter in his baseball journey.