Milwaukee Brewers Listed as Possible Suitor For Former MVP
Earlier on Sunday we learned that free agent slugger Joey Votto is feeling great physically as we pass the halfway point of the offseason.
Now, Bob Nightengale of USA Today says that the Milwaukee Brewers could be interested in his services.
We already knew that three teams were reportedly in the running for Votto, but we didn't know which ones. While Nightengale still doesn't name the teams specifically, he mentions the Blue Jays and Brewers as possible fits, so you'd have to think they are two of three.
He made a note of it in his Sunday notebook:
Six-time All-Star first baseman Joey Votto, who was cut loose by the Cincinnati Reds, has three teams who want to sign him to a one-year deal for 2024. The Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers would each appear to be good fits. Votto is seeking regular playing time
We've covered the Blue Jays angle pretty extensively so let's look at the Brewers:
1) Milwaukee won the National League Central but is going through a bit of turmoil given that they'll have a new manager in 2024. They also won't have ace Brandon Woodruff anymore, as he was non-tendered following a serious injury. So, you have a team that won the National League Central, but could be facing a stepback. Perhaps Votto's veteran presence and leadership could help stabilize things, while also helping the team win.
2) This is a young Brewers team, featuring prospects Sal Frelick and (likely) 19-year-old Jackson Chourio. Again, his leadership and veteran presence could go a long way for this group.
3) As for the "regular playing time," the Brewers could have that opportunity. They don't have a more accomplished first baseman that him, so he could get a chance to contribute there. There's also the DH spot.
A lifetime .294 hitter, Votto is one of the more accomplished players of the last 20 years. He's got a .409 on-base percentage lifetime and has hit 356 career home runs. The slugger also owns a pristine resume with six All-Star appearances, a Gold Glove and an MVP award.
He's led the league in on-base percentage in seven separate seasons. He spent 17 years with the Reds and is a borderline Hall of Famer.
He hit .202 last season as he battled injury. Unfortunately, this led him to accumulate just 208 at-bats.
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