MLB Rumors: Could Reds star be a target for Blue Jays?
As it turns out, October 1 at Busch Stadium may not be the final time we see Joey Votto in uniform. However, could that possibly come with a different team?
Votto recently revealed on the Dan Patrick show that he intends to play again in 2024. In an interesting twist though, Votto said that if the Cincinnati Reds were to move on from him, he would be open to opportunities with other teams.
The Toronto Blue Jays may ultimately lose veteran slugger Brandon Belt, who has hinted at retirement. Votto is a native of Toronto and could find himself with an opportunity to play in his hometown before he officially retires.
The Reds have plenty of young stars such as Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and others, some of whom can play first base. This could prompt the Reds to move on from Votto, which would leave him open for business this winter.
It would certainly be interesting to see Votto have a homecoming of sorts in Toronto, and it might be a fitting way for the legendary slugger to finish his historic career. Votto would give them the left-handed bat they need to replace Belt should the latter not return.
MLB Rumors: Brewers on the trade block
The Milwaukee Brewers are now a week removed from their Wild Card Series loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and it appears that some changes may be coming.
Firstly, manager Craig Counsell's future is uncertain. Reports indicate that Counsell may ultimately walk away from the Brewers this offseason. The New York Mets have a managerial opening after Buck Showalter stepped down. They also recently hired former Brewers President of Baseball Operations David Stearns.
Stearns worked closely with Counsell during his time in Milwaukee, and it's possible that the Mets may approach him as they look to fill their managerial vacancy. According to a report, Counsell may jump at the opportunity to manage in New York if Stearns and owner Steve Cohen make him an offer in the neighborhood of five years and $25 million.
But that is far from the only question the Brewers must answer this offseason, as Corbin Burnes and Willy Adames are both entering the final year of their contracts. With the Brewers being a smaller-market team, it's very possible that they could look to shop both of them this coming winter.
MLB Rumors: Red Sox have a vacancy
On Monday, the Boston Red Sox made some changes to their Major League coaching staff, firing pitching coach Dave Bush and third-base coach Carlos Febles.
The Red Sox fell short of the postseason for the fourth time in the last five years, finishing in last place in the AL East with a record of 78-84.
The dismissals of Febles and Bush come not long after President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom was relieved of his duties. Boston posted a team ERA of 4.52, which was 21st overall in baseball. They also committed 102 errors, which was the second-most in baseball.
Clearly, the Red Sox are an organization that is in transition. They have only reached the postseason once since winning the World Series in 2018. This year marks their third last-place finish in the past four years and sixth dating back to 2012.
The team will now look to fill three openings, two of which are on the coaching staff.
The Red Sox will likely be very active as they search for candidates to fill the openings on the coaching staff and in the front office, but it is obvious that Boston believes it's time for a change.