A MLB insider provides an update on the free agent market for longtime Cincinnati Reds slugger Joey Votto.According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, three teams are currently interested in veteran free agent first baseman Joey Votto.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, three teams have expressed interest in longtime Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto.

For the first time in his career, Votto is a free agent after the Reds let the 40-year-old slugger depart last fall. When the organization declined his $20 million club option, they issued a statement saying they couldn’t commit to giving Votto the playing time he deserved.

Votto hit.294 with 356 home runs, 1,144 RBI, 2,135 hits, a.920 OPS, and a 64.4 WAR in 17 seasons with Cincinnati. He appeared in six All-Star games, won one Gold Glove, and was named National League MVP in 2010.

Votto, on the other hand, has been injured for the past few years and didn’t make his 2023 debut until June. He concluded the season with a career-low hitting average.202 runs batted in, 14 home runs, 38 RBI, and a.747 OPS.

While Nightengale did not specify which teams are interested in Votto, many have believed that the Toronto Blue Jays would give him substantial consideration. Votto was born and raised in Canada and is widely regarded as the greatest Canadian player in MLB history.

Since breaking into the majors in 2007, Votto has earned nearly $260 million in compensation. He has made $25 million in each of the last six seasons, plus a $7 million buyout from the Reds when they declined his option.

Even at 40, Votto spent about 70% of his time this season at first base rather than designated hitter. It remains to be seen whether teams on the free market still value his defense, but he can still consume innings in the field.