Reds GM discusses potential Joey Votto return
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
The Cincinnati Reds let Joey Votto walk as a free agent at the end of the season, but he remains unsigned as the calendar moves toward February. That could, in theory, leave some space for the Reds to walk back their previous decision.
The Reds have no plans to do that, however. General manager Nick Krall, speaking to season ticket holders on Wednesday, admitted that there are no plans to bring back Votto at this point.
Nick Krall to season ticket holders after one asked about Joey Votto: “We don’t plan to bring him back as of now.”
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) January 24, 2024
The door is pretty much closed on a Votto return to the Reds. That is largely because the reason for letting him go was not necessarily financial. The Reds have a logjam of talented young players and simply did not have a spot on the roster for the 40-year-old.
With the Reds not an option, it is unclear where Votto might land. He does intend to keep playing and has drawn some limited interest, but he has yet to sign with a new team with spring training less than a month away.
