“King, welcome home” – Fans overjoyed as MLB legend Joey Votto signs $2 million deal with hometeam Blue Jays

MLB icon Joey Votto is back with a “bang” with hometown team Toronto Blue Jays on a minor-league contract.

“King, welcome home” – Fans overjoyed as MLB legend Joey Votto signs $2 million deal with hometeam Blue Jays

Joey Votto [Image Credit: Imago]

MLB legend Joey Votto is ecstatic to be “pain-free” as he signed a $2 million minor-league contract with hometeam the Toronto Blue Jays. Although it’s a non-roster contract for the 2024 season, the icon is happy to be back on track once again. He expressed that his ailing shoulder is now all healed and “I think I can still bang.”

The contract was signed on Friday and he’ll be reporting to spring training camp on Saturday. Fans can’t wait to see him donning the Blue Jays’ royal blue jersey. Votto himself is confident that he can earn a roster spot for the regular season games and make his way up in the big league.

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Despite getting countless offers from sports media broadcasting, Votto wanted to paddle up one last time, and finally, he got the chance to do so with the Blue Jays. “I am grateful that I am in tryout mode now,” Votto noted as per The Athletic. He recalls visiting the Rogers Centre as a kid and how his dream to wear their uniform has now come true.

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I am excited about the opportunity…even sweeter to attempt this while wearing the uniform of my hometown team, the Toronto Blue Jays.
Joey Votto on X.

Fans react as Joey Votto ends his “crummy years” on good note with Blue Jays signing

Cincinnati Reds icon Joey Votto expressed to take a positive step toward a happier retirement as he was unhappy with how 2023 ended. The Reds released Votto in November last year after dealing with a shoulder injury that limited him to 65 games throughout the year.

Joey Votto [Image Credit: NY Post]
Joey Votto [Image Credit: NY Post]

He expressed how awful it felt to end the season like that and even the season prior to that. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, he noted, “The last couple years were crummy” so he’d like to play well and return to the field. “It’s not the taste that I want to leave in my mouth,” he said.

Votto’s wishes came true as the Blue Jays contacted him and gave him the road back to his starting line. One X user penned, “We’re supporting you king, welcome home,” while another said, “You’re too likable. You’re never allowed to retire.”

His health restricted him from giving 100% on his games, and in 2023, Votto appeared in only 156 games, hitting .202 with 14 HR and 38 RBIs in 65 contests. His former team declined his $20 million player option even after Votto expressed interest in finishing his career with the organization. Nevertheless, the legend found his way back to the field, and will undoubtedly be one of the best additions for the Blue Jays.

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