Joey Votto update: What is former Reds star up to since Blue Jays deal?

This past offseason was a rather somber one for many fans throughout Reds Country. Shortly after the offseason began, the Cincinnati Reds made the decision to part ways with longtime first baseman and former NL MVP Joey Votto.

Votto had a $20 million club-option for the 2024 season. After back-to-back injury-plagued seasons that also saw a downturn in production, it wasn't surprising to see the Reds pass on the opportunity to bring Votto back to Cincy - especially at $20 million.

After hanging out in free agency for what felt like forever, Votto finally decided to return to his hometown of Toronto and agreed to a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays. So how's Votto doing in his first year away from Cincinnati?

What is Reds icon Joey Votto doing in 2024?

Well, if you're curious why you haven't seen a highlight of Votto in a Blue Jays uniform, it's not because he's scuffling down in the minor leagues. While Votto is on the Buffalo Bisons' roster, he's currently on the seven-day injured list after suffering an ankle injury during spring training.

Votto played in one spring training game this year, hit a home run in his first at-bat, and tripped over a bat in the dugout resulting in an injury. You can't make this stuff up. Votto exited the game after the first inning and hasn't been back on the field since. Votto has yet to resume hitting, but is doing some defensive work.

Once he's back healthy, Votto will be looking to break back into the big leagues with his boyhood team. Votto is not part of the Blue Jays' 40-man roster, so even when he begins playing in Buffalo, he won't be on a rehab assignment.

The Blue Jays are currently jockeying for last place in the AL East with the Tampa Bay Rays, but sitting around .500, Toronto is by no means out of the playoff hunt. The Jays currently have both Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Daniel Vogelbach logging time at first base, while Justin Turner has been Toronto's designated hitter.

While some Reds fans have lamented the fact that Votto was unable to finish his career in a Reds uniform, this year's team hasn't really missed a beat without the six-time All-Star in the lineup. It's a new era of Cincinnati Reds baseball. Hopefully Votto can get back on the field healthy and enjoy one last season in the major leagues, but for now, he's still trying to return to game-shape.

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