Votto signs non-roster deal with Blue Jays

March 8, 2024

By Kevin Glew

Cooperstowners in Canada

Joey Votto has signed a non-roster deal with his hometown Toronto Blue Jays.

The veteran slugger, who was born in Etobicoke, Ont., confirmed the signing on social media on Friday afternoon.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work my way back to the Major Leagues,” Votto tweeted out on Friday afternoon. “It’s even sweeter to attempt this while wearing the uniform of my hometown team, the Toronto Blue Jays.”

Shi Davidi, of Sportsnet, reports that the deal, which is pending a physical, will pay Votto a base salary of $2 million if he cracks the big league roster, with a chance to make an additional $2 million in incentives.

The news comes one week after Votto appeared on the Dan Patrick Show and said that he hadn’t received a firm offer from a major league team this off-season.

“I’ll take one or 700 plate appearances,” Votto told Patrick. “My attitude is prepare for the season. Be available for anything that comes my way. And then just work.”

Canadian Baseball Network editor-in-chief Bob Elliott landed an exclusive interview with Votto in Etobicoke, Ont., in early February. Votto had been training at the Pro Teach Baseball facility in his hometown.

The veteran first baseman, who has played 17 major league seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, batted .202 with 14 homers in 65 games in 2023 after returning from shoulder surgery.

A seven-time winner of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Tip O’Neill Award, Votto has 2,135 major league hits, which leaves him just 25 behind Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, B.C.) for most by a Canadian. His 459 doubles are 12 behind Walker and his 356 home runs trail Walker’s output by 27. Votto already owns Canadian major league records for most games (2,056), plate appearances (8,746), walks (1,365), All-Star Game selections (6) and on-base percentage (.409).

Despite Votto’s impressive resume, it’s unclear how good his chances are to crack the Blue Jays’ Opening Day roster. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Montreal, Que.) entrenched as their everyday first baseman and 39-year-old slugger Justin Turner likely to see the lion’s share of at bats as the team’s designated hitter, it could be difficult for Votto to find playing time.

The Blue Jays also signed left-handed hitting slugger Daniel Vogelbach to a minor league deal this off-season and have Eduardo Escobar, who is a switch-hitter who belted 20 home runs just two seasons ago, in camp, also on a minor league deal.

The Blue Jays have yet to officially confirm that they have signed Votto.