3 agonizing free agent destinations Joey Votto could choose that would haunt Reds fans

2. Reds fans would be crushed if Joey Votto signed with the Cardinals

Few teams get under the skin of Cincinnati Reds fans more than the St. Louis Cardinals. Reds Country certainly took solace in watching the Cardinals fall on their face this past season, but there will obviously be some changes in the Gateway City heading into 2024.

Major League Baseball fans have pointed to the New York Mets and San Diego Padres as the biggest whiffs this past season, but most pundits expected the St. Louis Cardinals to run away with the NL Central.

Instead, the Milwaukee Brewers seized the moment, and teams like the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs also left the Cards in the dust. Even the Pittsbugh Pirates had a better win-loss record than St. Louis in 2023.

The St. Louis Cardinals will be looking to retool their entire roster this offseason. While much of the focus is likely to be on the pitching side of things, don't be surprised to see the Cardinals add a bat or two this offseason as well.

Often regarded as the best fans in baseball, the St. Louis faithful would fully embrace the idea of Joey Votto joining the Cardinals this offseason. With Paul Goldschmidt at first base, Votto's playing time would undoubtedly come as the team's designated hitter.

Votto actually posted better numbers against left-handed pitchers than right-handers in 2023. The Cardinals struggled against lefties with only a .718 OPS, ranking among the bottom-third in the league last season.