At Long Last, Joey Votto Has A Path Back To The MLB With His Hometown Blue Jays

The wait is over. Joey Votto has a path back to the MLB.

After being released by the Cincinnati Reds in November 2023, the legendary first baseman received a non-roster invite with the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Don’t get too excited, it is just an invitation. There’s nothing guaranteed at the moment, and even if Votto proves he’s still in good enough shape to play, Toronto still might not even need him. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has a pretty solid grip on that side of the infield.

But it’s a step in the right direction for a guy who wanted to end his career on a higher note. And he's excited.

Last season, Votto dealt with a shoulder injury that limited him to just 65 games all year long. In an interview with USA Today, he said that he felt awful about how that season and the prior one unfolded due to injuries.

"The last couple years were crummy," he said. "I wasn’t healthy for two years, so I'd like to play well. It's not the taste I want to leave in my mouth."

Joey Votto will potentially join the first team in his career besides the Reds.

With limited options at a return to the MLB, it looked as if Votto might have to settle for one of the numerous media offers he received. Despite being heavily sought after by many in the sports broadcasting world, he wanted to hold out hope for an official offer from a team. Good thing too, because the Blue Jays finally came around with an offer.

But it’s not just a good offer for Votto himself, it's good news for grocery shoppers everywhere.

Less than two weeks ago, Votto was sitting at home threatening to terrorize grocery store parking lots by not putting his carts in the stall. This was no baseless bluff either, he was serious.

Thankfully, the Blue Jays helped the public avert this crisis. If they can find a way to get him on their big-league roster, then this story would be a happy ending for Votto as well.