OUTJoey Votto
1B/DH CIN
Thu 3/28/24 11:07 AM

Votto (ankle) will remain at the Blue Jays' spring training complex and go through a full build-up before beginning a minor-league assignment, Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star reports.
EDGE Analysis
As the 40-year-old won't even begin that progression until his ankle is fully healed, he isn't expected to see MLB action for another month or more. That could put Votto in line to make his Toronto debut in May, but whether he gets added to the big-league roster when ready will depend on how Daniel Vogelbach performs over the first month of the season.

OUTJoey Votto
1B/DH CIN
Mon 3/25/24 12:30 PM

Votto (ankle) is likely to stay back in extended spring training at the start of the season, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.
EDGE Analysis
Votto has made improvement with his right ankle injury but has yet to resume full baseball activities, though manager John Schneider said Monday that the veteran first baseman could do so within the next few days, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. The 40-year-old is likely to be assigned to Triple-A Buffalo once healthy, with the hope that he can eventually earn a look with the big club.

OUTJoey Votto
1B/DH CIN
Fri 3/22/24 11:27 AM

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Votto (ankle) will incorporate more baseball activities Friday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.
EDGE Analysis
The skipper said that Votto remains day-to-day as he recovers from a right ankle injury but is "doing better every day." Votto rolled his ankle during his first Grapefruit League game last weekend when he stepped on a bat in the dugout. The expectation is that he will begin the season in the minors or perhaps in extended spring training.

OUTJoey Votto
1B/DH CIN
Tue 3/19/24 10:02 AM

Votto (ankle) will take batting practice on the field Tuesday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.
EDGE Analysis
Votto rolled his right ankle in the dugout Sunday and has been receiving treatment. There's no timetable for when he'll be ready for games again, but the fact that he's been cleared for on-field BP is a good sign. Votto is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Buffalo.

OUTJoey Votto
1B/DH CIN
Sun 3/17/24 2:41 PM

Votto was removed from Sunday's Grapefruit League game as a precaution after rolling his right ankle in the dugout, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.
EDGE Analysis
Votto clubbed a solo homer in his lone plate appearance before the dugout accident prompted an early exit from his spring debut. It doesn't appear to be a serious issue, so the veteran slugger could be back on the field in the next few days.

OUTJoey Votto
1B/DH CIN
Fri 3/15/24 10:14 AM

Votto will make his Grapefruit League debut for the Blue Jays on Sunday versus the Phillies, Jayson Stark of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
Votto has seen some action in minor-league games since signing a non-roster invitee deal with the Jays a week ago, but this will be his first official spring training contest. The plan is for the 40-year-old to begin the season back in the minors in order to get in some reps, but if he looks good he could become an option for the major-league roster sooner rather than later.

OUTJoey Votto
1B/DH CIN
Fri 3/8/24 1:59 PM

Votto signed with the Blue Jays as a non-roster invitee Friday, Buster Olney of ESPN reports.
EDGE Analysis
The veteran first baseman was finally able to secure a contract for 2024, and it will come with the Canadian's hometown team. Votto clubbed 14 homers in just 65 games last season but struggled to make consistent contact with a .202 batting average. He seems likely to open the campaign at Triple-A Buffalo given how late he's joining the club, especially since there's no clear path to a place on Toronto's MLB roster with Spencer Horwitz and Daniel Vogelbach already competing for a left-handed DH/pinch-hitting role on the bench.

OUTJoey Votto
1B/DH CIN
Sat 1/13/24 9:53 PM

Votto feels better physically than he has in years following rehab and strength training since the end of the season, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
Votto has been limited to a total of 156 games over the last two seasons due to shoulder issues, slashing just .204/.317/.394 during the time. He ended the 2023 season healthy, though, and it sounds like he's continued the progression this offseason. Votto remains a free agent but is committed to playing in 2024 in what will be his age-40 season.

OUTJoey Votto
1B/DH CIN
Sat 11/4/23 11:55 AM

The Reds declined Votto's $20 million club option for 2024 on Saturday.
EDGE Analysis
Votto will enter the free agent market for the first time after 17 seasons with the Reds. The 40-year-old veteran previously said he plans to continue playing for "at least one more year," and he should be able to secure a one-year deal elsewhere after slashing .202/.314/.433 in 2023.

OUTJoey Votto
1B/DH CIN
Fri 10/6/23 11:01 AM

Votto said in an interview Friday that he wants to continue his baseball career for "at least one more year," Paul Pabst of The Dan Patrick Show reports.
EDGE Analysis
Votto also added that while his preference would be to play for the Reds, if they would like to move on he would consider playing elsewhere. The 40-year-old finished with a .202/.314/.433 batting line with 14 home runs in 2023, as he was limited to just 65 games due to recovery and then setbacks with his surgically repaired shoulder. The Reds have a $20 million club option or $7 million buyout on Votto for 2024. While they will not be exercising that option, it's possible the two sides could work out a restructured deal if the organization is keen on bringing the six-time All-Star back.