Votto signed with the Blue Jays as a non-roster invitee Friday, Buster Olney of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran first baseman was finally able to secure a contract for 2024, and it will come with the Canadian's hometown team. Votto clubbed 14 homers in just 65 games last season but struggled to make consistent contact with a .202 batting average. He seems likely to open the campaign at Triple-A Buffalo given how late he's joining the club, especially since there's no clear path to a place on Toronto's MLB roster with Spencer Horwitz and Daniel Vogelbach already competing for a left-handed DH/pinch-hitting role on the bench.

Votto feels better physically than he has in years following rehab and strength training since the end of the season, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Votto has been limited to a total of 156 games over the last two seasons due to shoulder issues, slashing just .204/.317/.394 during the time. He ended the 2023 season healthy, though, and it sounds like he's continued the progression this offseason. Votto remains a free agent but is committed to playing in 2024 in what will be his age-40 season.

The Reds declined Votto's $20 million club option for 2024 on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Votto will enter the free agent market for the first time after 17 seasons with the Reds. The 40-year-old veteran previously said he plans to continue playing for "at least one more year," and he should be able to secure a one-year deal elsewhere after slashing .202/.314/.433 in 2023.

Votto said in an interview Friday that he wants to continue his baseball career for "at least one more year," Paul Pabst of The Dan Patrick Show reports.

EDGE Analysis

Votto also added that while his preference would be to play for the Reds, if they would like to move on he would consider playing elsewhere. The 40-year-old finished with a .202/.314/.433 batting line with 14 home runs in 2023, as he was limited to just 65 games due to recovery and then setbacks with his surgically repaired shoulder. The Reds have a $20 million club option or $7 million buyout on Votto for 2024. While they will not be exercising that option, it's possible the two sides could work out a restructured deal if the organization is keen on bringing the six-time All-Star back.

Votto was ejected from Sunday's game against the Cardinals for arguing balls and strikes, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 40-year-old started at first base and batted third Sunday in the final game of the season, and potentially his final game with the Reds, but he was ejected for arguing after striking out in his only at-bat. It's an unceremonious close to Votto's 17th season, and he finishes the year with 14 homers, 38 RBI and a .203/.315/.435 slash line in 64 contests.

Votto isn't in the Reds' lineup Friday against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Votto will begin on the bench for the second straight game after collecting hits in two of his last three contests. Christian Encarnacion-Strand will get the nod at first base instead and bat fourth.

Votto is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Guardians.

EDGE Analysis

It's the first time since Sept. 6 that Votto is not in the starting lineup versus a right-hander. Christian Encarnacion-Strand is covering first base for the Reds, and Jake Fraley will be in the designated-hitter spot.

Votto will sit Saturday against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Votto will sit against lefty Bailey Falter, meaning he's now sat against three of the last four southpaws the Reds have faced. Spencer Steer will start at first base.

Votto went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored in Monday's 7-3 win over the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Votto added insurance with a two-run single in the seventh inning that made it a 7-2 game. The two runs knocked in leave him with 37 RBI over 57 games. The 40-year-old is 6-for-22 (.273) with a home run, a double, four RBI and four runs scored over six games since returning from a shoulder injury.

Votto is out of the lineup Friday against the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

With lefty David Peterson on the mound for New York, the lefty-hitting Votto will take a seat to begin Friday's contest. Spencer Steer will start at first base while Votto rests.