The Cincinnati Reds’ perennial MVP candidate and the National League’s best first baseman, Joey Votto, has been coy about his playing status on Team Canada for the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Former Toronto Blue Jays’ catcher and current Team Canada manager Ernie Whitt has made it known that he is building the team around Joey Votto. Whitt has eluded to batting Votto third and either have him play first or DH.
Votto played in the 2009 World Baseball Classic for Team Canada. He was four of five with a home run against the United States. He also had an inner ear infection during the year, but he made it back in time to play the Toronto Blue Jays in the regular season.