Joey Votto's NHL Mascot Selfie Quest Highlights Free Agency Status

The MLB star's playful feud with Gritty and gratitude towards Cincinnati Reds fans underscore his transition to free agency.

Joey Votto, free-agent first baseman and six-time MLB All-Star, embarked on a unique quest at the NHL All-Star Game to take selfies with every team's mascot.
Votto's playful feud with the Philadelphia Flyers' mascot Gritty highlighted the event, with Votto declaring allegiance to the Penguins after a humorous interaction.
The Cincinnati Reds declined Votto's team option for the 2024 season, making him a free agent after undergoing surgery for a torn left rotator cuff in 2022.
Votto expressed gratitude towards the Cincinnati community and the Reds, hinting it might have been his last time playing for the team.
The Los Angeles Angels have shown interest in signing Votto, as reported by Jon Heyman in January.