Joey Votto already drawing interest from this AL East contender

It didn't take long for Joey Votto to draw some interest on the open market. After the Cincinnati Reds declined Votto's club-option over the weekend, the former NL MVP officially became a free agent for the first time in his career.

Finding a landing spot won't be too difficult for Votto. The 40-year-old's resumé speaks for itself. While the Reds were content to bid farewell to their face of the franchise, other ball clubs may be chomping at the bit to bring Votto into their clubhouse.

Unsurprisingly, one of the teams is the Toronto Blue Jays. With the departure of first baseman/ designated hitter Brandon Belt, it seems likely that Votto and the Jays would have mutual interest in coming to an agreement.

Former Reds All-Star Joey Votto already drawing interest from Toronto Blue Jays

Ben Nicolson-Smith of Sportsnet asked Toronto Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins about the potential of signing Joey Votto in free agency. Ross acknowledged that the Jays have done some background work over the years.

Ross stated that Toronto viewed him as a potential trade candidate in the past, and with Votto now a free agent, the Blue Jays have some interest in bringing the slugger back home.

Atkins also praised, via Sportsnet, Votto's reputation, personality, and work within the community, and sees the potential fit within the Blue Jays organization.

Joey Votto, whether some Reds fans want to acknowledge it or not, is sure to draw plenty of interest on the free agent market. Votto is well-respected in most circles and, when healthy, has shown that he can be an effective hitter.

Votto has stated that he wants to play baseball in 2024, and at least one team looks as though it's prepared to make that a reality. There's also the possibility that Votto could return to the Cincinnati Reds in 2024, but that seems very unlikely.