When must the Reds make a decision about Joey Votto's 2024 club-option?

The World Series is almost over, meaning that we're inching closer and closer to MLB offseason officially getting underway.

As the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks battle it out in the desert to lay claim to the Commissioner's Trophy, the other 28 teams throughout Major League Baseball are chomping at the bit, waiting for the offseason to begin.

The biggest question on the minds of fans throughout Reds Country is whether or not Joey Votto will return next season. The Cincinnati Reds maintain a $20-million club-option for 2024, but when does the team have to make the decision whether or not to exercise the option?

When must the Reds make a decision about Joey Votto's 2024 club-option?

According to MLB.com, all options must be exercised within five days of the completion of the World Series. Meaning, if the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers take this thing to a Game 7, Reds fans should find out no later than next week whether or not Cincinnati intends to exercise Joey Votto's club-option.

All signs point to the team declining Votto's club-option and instead paying the $7-million buyout. If that occurs, Votto will then become a free agent for the first time in his career and be able to sign with any team he'd like. That includes the Cincinnati Reds.

While it's beginning to seem more and more unlikely, the opportunity for Votto and the Reds to negotiate a new contract for the 2024 season exists. The question for the team is whether or not there's room for Votto on next year's roster.

In turn, the question for Votto is whether or not he'd be comfortable taking on a part-time role in 2024. With Spencer Steer and Christian Encarmacion-Strand likely to see more time at first base, Votto's playing time next season would be reduced more than ever.

Joey Votto has spent his entire career with the Cincinnati Reds and it's difficult for fans to imagine the future Hall of Famer wearing any other uniform. Votto, however, has stated that he wants to play in 2024. It'll be an intriguing offseason for both Votto and the Reds.