Central Notes: Votto, Canha, Montgomery

The Cincinnati Reds made the decision to decline their club option on their legendary player, Joey Votto. General Manager Nick Krall explained that Votto may not have enough playing time in 2024 to warrant his continued presence on the team. However, according to MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon and Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer, a reunion between Votto and the Reds is not completely off the table.

Krall stated, “I’m not ruling anything out. It’s just that with the current players on our roster, there’s not enough playing time for Votto. It would be difficult to have him as a pinch-hitter off the bench given our roster composition.” Krall also admitted that it would be hard to watch Votto play for another team next year after leaving the Reds.

The Reds are facing a positional crunch, which is why they are reluctant to keep Votto. Players like Jonathan India, Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Noelvi Marte are all infielders who are ready for the big leagues and should have regular playing time in 2024. This will inevitably spill over into the outfield and the designated hitter slot, where players like TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley, and Will Benson will also see consistent playing time. Even players like Stuart Fairchild and Nick Senzel could be in line for at-bats. Given this surplus of positional talent, it is difficult to find a place for Votto on the Reds unless there is a hypothetical trade that resolves their logjam.

Despite the Reds’ decision, Votto showed no hard feelings towards the team.“At the age of 40, I don’t blame a team that is on the verge of becoming a championship-caliber team for not picking up the option of a player who has hit .200 in two consecutive seasons,” Votto said. He also expressed that he did not want to close the door on a potential return to Cincinnati next year, despite becoming a free agent for the first time in his career.

More news from the MLB’s Central divisions…

• The Detroit Tigers’ President of Baseball Operations, Scott Harris, discussed the acquisition of outfielder Mark Canha from the Brewers. Harris mentioned that Canha’s addition will provide the team with a right-handed bat that will benefit them both on and off the field in 2024. Canha’s right-handed bat will complement the team’s all-lefty outfield of Kerry Carpenter, Parker Meadows, Akil Baddoo, and Riley Greene. It will also give more opportunities to Matt Vierling to play third base. Harris praised Canha’s ability to mentor the young roster as a high-character player known for his exceptional plate discipline. Canha himself commended the team’s young core and believes they are closer to their goals than they may feel at the moment.
• The Chicago White Sox decided not to exercise their option on longtime shortstop Tim Anderson, adding the position to their list of areas to address this offseason, which already includes right field, catcher, and second base. Shortstop prospect Colson Montgomery, who is expected to be the team’s long-term solution at the position, is determined to make the Opening Day roster in 2024. “I’m confident I could secure that spot, but you never know,” Montgomery said. He added that as a competitor and a baseball player, he wants to push himself and give it his all to earn the position. Montgomery was a top-40 prospect entering the 2023 season and had an impressive performance in Double-A with a .287/.456/.484 slash line in 64 games.