Former NL MVP Joey Votto sat on the market for the entire winter and a chunk of Spring Training. That changed on March 8, as the Blue Jays signed Joey Votto on a low-risk Minor League deal. But, can Votto make the Jays’ Opening Day roster? It’s not so simple.
Related: Mariners Sign Ryne Stanek: What to Make of Move
A Look at Votto
First baseman Joey Votto could be considered one of, if not, the best hitters in the game during the 2010s. Among hitters with at least 3,000 PA from 2010-19, only Mike Trout (1.000) and David Ortiz (.945) had a higher cumulative OPS in that stretch than Votto (.944).
The problem, though, with Votto is that from an overall standpoint, Votto’s numbers have been on the decline since 2018. Given his age, that isn’t a shock — although, the 40-year-old’s resurgence in 2021 was something to behold.
Since a 2017 season that saw Votto belt 36 home runs and post a gaudy 1.032 OPS, that 2021 season is the only year which he posted an OPS higher than .837. Last season, Votto posted a .747 OPS and 14 home runs over 242 plate appearances.
The home run total wasn’t bad, as Votto still showed plenty of pop. Not to mention, Votto kept his long-running tradition of being patient at the plate going in 2023. The 40-year-old walked at a clip of 11.2%.
However, Votto’s chase rate has jumped, as has his whiff rate on breaking balls.
Still, put something in the middle of the zone, regardless of pitch, and Votto hit it last season.
Per reports, Joey Votto will join the Blue Jays on a Minor League deal.
Analysis
When the winter started and Brandon Belt headed to free agency, it’s fair to say that the Votto-Jays rumblings were there. After all, Votto is a Canadian and his profile would be a somewhat replicable replacement for Belt, even though Belt himself had a decent year.
But with Justin Turner now in Toronto after he signed with the Jays earlier in the winter, a path for Votto to claim one of the Blue Jays’ 13 roster spots for hitters isn’t so obvious.
Right now, here’s what could be assumed regarding the Blue Jays Opening Day roster, presuming full health:
- Likely Starters: Alejandro Kirk, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Justin Turner, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Kevin Kiermaier, Daulton Varsho, George Springer (7)
- Potential Starters/Bench Bats: Cavan Biggio, Danny Jansen, Davis Schneider, Santiago Espinal (4)
That leaves two spots between the likes of Ernie Clement, Nathan Lukes, and Spencer Horwitz, among others.
Given the fact that Votto is limited to just first base or DH, and an extra outfielder would be ideal, it’ll be interesting to see how this goes for the former NL MVP.