Tigers should target former MVP to help mentor future cornerstone players

Many people have been speculating about where Cincinnati Reds legend Joey Votto may end up at the start of the 2024 MLB season. The general consensus is that Votto will likely sign with his hometown team, the Toronto Blue Jays, but maybe there's a better spot for the former MVP.

If Votto wants something more than a hometown reunion to end his career, he may be looking to go somewhere where he can help mentor the next generation of MLB talent. The Detroit Tigers may be that team.

Throughout Votto’s 17 seasons with the Reds, it became apparent that he loved to teach and help guide young players just getting their start in the league. He is an avid student of the game himself, having admitted to having religiously read Ted Williams’ book, The Art of Hitting.

Tigers should target former MVP, Joey Votto, to help mentor future cornerstone players

Votto has helped countless young Reds players achieve their potential. Former outfielders like Jay Bruce and Adam Duvall come to mind. Votto has a very sharp mind for the game and may even make for a great manager someday.

Last season, the Tigers didn’t have any player, with more than 500 plate appearances, produce a batting average above .261. Votto, one of the game's premier contact hitters of his generation, could be a mentor to some of the Tigers' young talent.

The 2023 Tigers finished 26th in on-base percentage (.305), 27th in batting average (.236), and 28th in slugging percentage (.382). This is a team that has serious potential at the plate with names like Akil Baddoo, Riley Greene, and Matt Vierling, but haven't put it all together.

Miguel Cabrera's retirement at the end of the 2023 season leaves a void in the Tigers' clubhouse for veteran leadership. With Votto entering his age 40 season, he likely won’t be expecting to be an everyday player anymore, but would still be able to play some days here and could be that glue guy for Detroit.

Spencer Torkelson is seen to be a future cornerstone of the franchise in Detroit. Votto could provide some great advice. Torkelson could go from one MVP in Cabrera to another in Votto. The future Hall of Famer has won the NL MVP Award in 2010 and also has a Gold Glove, and six All-Star nods.

Joey Votto is sure to have an impact wherever he lands for the 2024. While he was recently rumored to have gained interest from the Los Angeles Angels, Detroit may offer a much better landing spot for Votto. Whether it's on the field trying to replicate his past greatness, or in the clubhouse working with young players, Votto still has a lot to give to the game of baseball.