Joey Votto is a free agent now, but he hasn't had a ton of attention yet. The former Cincinnati Reds superstar has been with the team his entire career but the next stage is unclear. A few teams are expressing interest in the first baseman.
Until now, the overall free agency market has been fairly quiet as many big stars are still waiting and weighing their options.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that three teams have shown interest in Votto.
"Veteran free-agent first baseman Joey Votto, the beloved former Cincinnati Reds' six-time All-Star and MVP, has three teams now expressing interest in him."
Nightengale did not mention what the three teams were at this time, but it appears that the new year may hold a more exciting free agency for Votto at least.
Who could be interested in Joey Votto?
While it remains unlikely that Joey Votto will return as a member of the Cincinnati Reds, it can't be ruled out. The lack of a contract with the team indeed suggests that they are fully ready to move on from the aging legend, but it's not guaranteed.
In fact, if he remains unsigned for a long time, his price would go down and the Reds might be inclined to bring him back on a short, team-friendly deal.
Regardless, that could be just one of the three teams, and it's anyone's guess who those other two might be.
At this stage, he's probably not a starter, but he could be a valuable platoon player at first base. He's an experienced left-handed bat, and that has a lot of worth in an MLB locker room.
The Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs could use his services as depth, so there are plenty of clubs that might have interest in Votto.