According to Nightengale, the organization has no plans to exercise his $20,000,000 option for the 2024 season. That fails to impress any individual. It has long been acknowledged by all that this was not transpiring. Nevertheless, he notes that Votto has shown little interest in obtaining a part-time position. An inexperienced infield that is already struggling to find playing time for Jonathan India, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Noelvi Marte is further complicated by the addition of Joey Votto.

In 2023, Joey Votto encountered phases in which he maintained optimal health but abstained from engaging in sporting activities. He would occasionally take the mike against left-handed pitchers. In the concluding series of the season, David Bell made the decision to start Nick Martini twice instead of Votto. The purview of Votto’s function was more restricted than it had ever been before.

While Votto refrained from officially announcing his intention to return for the 2024 season until the final game of the regular season, he arrived at that conclusion without delay. Five days later, he declared on The Dan Patrick Show his intention to return for the 2024 season. Even though he expressed a desire to play for the Reds once more, he was willing to consider other opportunities if they were unable to re-sign him.

The non-acceptance of Joey Votto’s option by the Reds is likely not the most significant barrier that the two parties must surmount. Despite declining the option, it remains possible that the parties could engage in negotiations to establish a fresh agreement for the year 2024. Nevertheless, his failure to contribute more playing time to the organization than they seem prepared to allocate may undoubtedly constitute a substantial factor. Votto desires numerous performance opportunities. This is difficult to sell, considering the number of inexperienced players the Reds will already be struggling to play daily in 2024.

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