Joey Votto gets notable offer from his former team

Apr 9, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto against the Arizona Diamondbacks during opening day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Joey Votto’s absence from Cincinnati may end up being very short-lived.

Reds president Nick Krall recently revealed to reporters that the team has reached out to their longtime slugger Votto about him potentially returning in a still-to-be-determined role.

“We just want to see if there’s anything there that might make sense,” said Krall of a possible Votto return, per Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “There’s an open door to potentially figure something out, if possible.

“There’s a lot of value to a guy that’s a Hall of Fame player,” Krall added. “Guys in the clubhouse, the younger guys, respect him as a [former] teammate. I think it would be great.”

Votto, now 41, is a Reds legend who spent his entire MLB playing career with them from 2007-23. He was the NL MVP in 2010 and also made six All-Star appearances in Cincinnati along with winning a Gold Glove in 2011.

The Toronto native Votto did end up signing a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays last March but was never able to make it back to the big leagues due to various injury setbacks. He then announced his retirement from baseball in August.

Be it as an advisor, as a coach, or otherwise, Votto would obviously be welcomed back with open arms by Reds fans. It appears the organization feels the same way as well and is now laying the foundation for a potential reunion with Votto.