Somebody wants to provide Reds legend Joey Votto a job.
The Reds merely should not have room for his or her franchise icon. Their youth motion has offered outcomes, with Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Spencer Steer exhibiting their potential.
Jeimer Candelario signed a three-year deal to take over at third base, transferring Steer from the recent nook. That signing and the Reds children have left Votto on the skin trying in.
Bob Nightengale from USA At the moment reported in the course of January that three groups had been all in favour of Votto. Nonetheless, Votto stays available on the market, ready for a workforce needing a veteran presence and a primary baseman.
Votto has stored busy, akin to his quest to seek out mascots throughout the NHL All-Star Recreation, however he needs 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’s take a look at three potential 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. Nonetheless, 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. Nonetheless, the Guardians may preserve him within the minors to sport his service time. Such a transfer would depart utility man David Fry as the opposite first baseman on the roster.
Votto could also be ageing, however he would nonetheless present a robust bat and veteran management to a younger roster needing each. He might be an ideal match for a workforce nonetheless hoping to contend in a weaker division.
2. San Diego Padres
The Padres are additionally a workforce in transition with a watch towards contending for a playoff berth. Jake Cronenworth is at present atop their depth chart at first however is greatest suited to a utility function.
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 reducing payroll, Votto might be the precise choice.
3. Los Angeles Angels
First base is locked up for the foreseeable future for the Angels. Nolan Schanuel went from being the eleventh total choice within the 2023 MLB Draft to the beginning first baseman in lower than two months.
The DH place, nonetheless, is rather more unsettled. Brandon Drury is atop the depth chart because the DH and second baseman for the Angels. Luis Rengifo will consider at second however might be wanted across the infield. Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon may even issue within the DH combine because the Angels hope to maintain each gamers wholesome by 2024.
Nonetheless, if the Angels want to have a set choice at DH, Votto might be that piece. He would additionally have the ability to function a mentor for Schanuel as he will get extra accustomed to the majors, serving to educate him what it takes to deal with the place.
The match will not be fairly pretty much as good as it will be in San Diego or Cleveland, however the Angels are a sensible touchdown spot.
