Joey Votto is a free agent for the first time ever. After the Cincinnati Reds declined to pick up his contract option for next year. Leaving Votto at a crossroads in his playing career.

There are several dynamics that prompted the Reds to not pick up Votto’s option. The first dynamic is the Reds roster. The Reds will go into 2024 with a confidence-boosting infield. With Spencer Steer, Jonathan India, Elly De La Cruz and Christian Encarnacion-Strand. All are in the early years of their careers. Votto is in the later stages of his playing career. He missed much of last season due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.

Even if Votto plays with the Reds next season. It’s hard to envision him being the Reds main first baseman. Instead, he will likely be a designated hitter (DH). Regardless of which team he plays for next year. The National League having the DH makes Votto staying in Cincinnati more plausible.

Then there’s the financial dynamics to consider. The Reds are saving $13 million by letting Votto pursue free agency. Cincinnati would’ve paid Votto $20 million next year if they picked up his option. The Reds are paying Votto $7 million to buy out his contract. Meanwhile, other teams might be willing to pay Votto handsomely. For a year-long deal or a multi-year deal. Many teams could benefit from Votto’s veteran experience. 

There are many teams that have reasons to be interested in Votto. The Toronto Blue Jays stand out for a sentimental reason. Being the major league team in Votto’s hometown. Elsewhere in the American League, the Detroit Tigers spring to mind. Detroit could benefit from Votto’s experience after Miguel Cabrera’s retirement.

The Baltimore Orioles have some similarities to the Reds. Baltimore went from struggling in recent years. To having the American League’s best record last season. Fueled by a young roster featuring A.L. Rookie of the Year contender Gunnar Henderson and a good farm system. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins and Seattle Mariners have several former Reds Votto can get re-acquainted with.

Minnesota has Kyle Farmer and Cy Young contender Sonny Gray. While Seattle has Eugenio Suarez and Luis Castillo. The camaraderie Votto has with those players could enhance those teams. Some National League teams could be looking for an opportunity. To get an edge on the Reds by adding Votto. Reds fans are hoping that their team’s N.L. Central rivals don’t woo Votto. The Chicago Cubs just wooed their new manager Craig Counsell away from the Milwaukee Brewers. Why stop there, when the Cubs could have Votto and Ian Happ kick the Reds in the teeth.

The St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates are eager for a boost. Particularly the Cardinals, as they emerge from one of their worst seasons in decades. Beyond the N.L. Central, it wouldn’t hurt a lot of N.L. teams to consider adding Votto. From contending teams eager for a boost or veteran experience. From the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Miami Marlins.

Votto doesn’t publicly seem interested in retiring right now. If I were in Votto’s shoes, I wouldn’t want an injury disrupted season to be the last hurrah. Votto has three options he can consider for extending his major league playing career. First, trying to see if a contending team is interested in adding Votto to the roster. In an effort to help Votto and their team get postseason success. The Reds have advanced to the MLB Postseason four times with Votto. Yet didn’t advance past their opening game or series each time.

Entering free agency could give Votto the best chance he has to get a championship ring. The second option is to have a homecoming in Toronto. The third option is to return to Cincinnati and spend the rest of his career here. However long his career continues will largely depend on Votto’s health. As Votto approaches his 18th MLB season; given his recent injury struggles. I would not be surprised if several teams pass on adding Votto. Or teams add him their roster through a short-term deal.

There are many other baseball-related options for Votto to consider. Playing abroad is one option, going into coaching is another. Given Votto’s often deep focus on improving his hitting skills. He seems like someone who could be a good hitting coach or manager. Figuring out the next chapter can be a difficult challenge for professional athletes. Some go into their playing careers already knowing what they want to do. While some have retirement abruptly thrust upon them with no plan B in mind.

Votto now has an opportunity to think more deeply about what plan B is for him. Whatever those plans are, his legacy in Cincinnati is in good shape. As a future Reds Hall of Famer and potentially a future National Baseball Hall of Famer.