3 possible destinations for Joey Votto if he doesn't return to the Reds in 2024

2. Joey Votto could play for the Blue Jays instead of the Reds in 2024

Obviously this is the popular choice, right? Joey Votto goes back home to Toronto to finish his career with the Blue Jays. Storybook ending complete, right? Eh, I think it's possible, and definitely somewhere that Votto could end up. But I'm sold on the idea.

The Toronto Blue Jays, like the Houston Astros, have World Series aspirations this postseason. Toronto has been building and building for this moment, but fallen short year after year. The Jays lost in the AL Wild Card Series a year ago and missed the playoffs in 2021 despite winning 91 games.

There's no way that Votto is bumping Vladimir Guerrero Jr. off of first base, so the former NL MVP would have to accept the role of designated hitter. That role is currently occupied by Brandon Belt, but the 35-year-old will be a free agent after this season.

But do the Blue Jays really want to add an aging Votto who barely hit above .200 in 2023 when Belt could be re-signed in the offseason after posting an .858 OPS and launching 19 home runs this past season?

Of course there's a scenario where the prodigal son returns to the Great White North, but it's hard to see a fit between the Toronto Blue Jays and Joey Votto. It almost feels like a step backward for a team who's looking to contend in the uber-competitve AL East.