The Milwaukee Brewers have a glaring need at first base. I can’t see them going into Spring Training with Owen Miller and Jake Bauers as the potential starters. One intriguing option is former Cincinnati Red and MVP Joey Votto. The Brewers are plenty familiar with the former MVP as he did plenty of damage during his 17-year career against Milwaukee. He’s also a cheap veteran option that wouldn’t cost a lot of money. Given how tumultuous the Brewers offseason has been, Milwaukee could use a veteran presence to calm things down. I believe Joey Votto would be a great signing for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Production From First Base Was an Issue Last Season
Embed from Getty ImagesFirst base production was an ongoing issue for the Milwaukee Brewers for most of last season. Rowdy Tellez, Luke Voit, Owen Miller, and Jon Singleton all had opportunities to start at the position. However, none of them proved to be the solution. Milwaukee eventually traded for Mark Canha and Carlos Santana and used both of them to play the position.
Upgrading First Base Is a Must
Mark Canha is now on the Tigers and Carlos Santana is still a free agent. While Santana is younger, Votto’s cheaper power upside he brings to the line-up is too good to pass up. This offseason, Milwaukee traded for journeyman Jake Bauers and has Owen Miller returning. Those two players are merely depth pieces at best and shouldn’t even be considered to play every day.
Joey Votto Still Has Something Left to Give
Embed from Getty ImagesLast season wasn’t a fun year for the six-time All-Star. He spent the entire first half of the season rehabbing from a shoulder injury and was only able to appear in 65 games. However, despite appearing in a limited number of games, Votto was able to bash 14 home runs and 38 RBI. The former MVP still has something left in the tank. It was also only two seasons ago when Votto bashed 36 home runs, 99 RBI, and posted an OPS of .938.
He’s Had Lots of Success in Milwaukee During His Career
Embed from Getty ImagesHistorically, Joey Votto has hit the ball very well at American Family Field. In 111 career games played in Milwaukee, Votto has a scorching OPS of .978 along with 24 home runs and 73 RBI. Votta also has a career slugging percentage of .533, given the Brewers struggled to get extra-base hits last season; Milwaukee should pounce on this opportunity.
It Would Be a Low Risk High Reward Deal
Embed from Getty ImagesGiven Votto’s age and injury history, this will be a cheap one-year deal for Milwaukee. He’s near the end of his career and is looking to play just a little longer. It is the low-risk high-reward deal the Brewers front office craves to make. Votto would also provide stability at first base, something Milwaukee didn’t have for most of last season. The Brewers are also bringing up a lot more younger players, they all could benefit from Votto’s leadership and experience.
The Fan Base Needs Something to Be Excited About
This offseason, the Brewers fan base has been filled with more pessimism than optimism. So far, the front office hasn’t made an exciting move. It’s still reeling from the aftermath of former manager Craig Counsell’s shocking departure and longtime star pitcher Brandon Woodruff being non-tendered. Signing someone like Joey Votto would be a step in the right direction toward helping this fan base recover. Votto has been known to be great with the fans and generates a lot of excitement.
Votto’s Situation Is Too Good for the Brewers to Pass On
Embed from Getty ImagesVotto is a high-upside cheap signing the Brewers should make. He’d play in a ballpark where he’s had lots of success, add power to the line-up, a veteran presence in the clubhouse, fill a need for a first baseman, and potentially reenergize the fan base. Votto is nearing the end of a successful career and wants the chance to compete for a spot in the postseason. Votto’s situation is perfect for the Brewers and they shouldn’t pass on signing the former MVP.
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