Joey Votto Announces Retirement: Reflecting on a Stellar Career
Joey Votto, the beloved first baseman who became synonymous with the Cincinnati Reds, has officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. Votto, now 40 years old, leaves behind an illustrious 17-season career marked by exceptional performance and dedication.
A Career with the Cincinnati Reds
Drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 draft, Votto made his MLB debut in September 2007 at the age of 23. He quickly established himself as a formidable presence at the plate, finishing his rookie year with an impressive .321/.360/.548 slash line over 89 plate appearances. His performance earned him second place in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2008, signaling the start of a remarkable career.
Votto's career truly took off over the next decade. From 2009 to 2017, he maintained an outstanding slash line of .315/.436/.545, with a 162 OPS+. This period saw Votto evolve into one of the most consistent and feared hitters in the league, leading the National League in on-base percentage seven times and in walks five times. His ability to get on base was unparalleled, helping him secure the 2010 National League MVP award.
A Decorated Journey
Votto's accolades don’t stop with his MVP award. He was a six-time All-Star, demonstrating his sustained excellence throughout his career. In addition to his MVP honors, Votto finished in the top seven of MVP voting in five other seasons, including a runner-up finish in 2017 and a third-place finish in 2015. His versatility and skill were further highlighted by his league-leading numbers in OPS (on-base plus slugging) twice, slugging percentage once, doubles once, WAR (wins above replacement) once, and OPS+ once.
Defensively, Votto also made his mark, winning a Gold Glove award and showcasing his well-rounded abilities on the field.
Legacy with the Reds
Votto's contributions to the Reds franchise are numerous. He ranks second in Reds history in on-base percentage, doubles, total bases, home runs, OPS, extra-base hits, and times on base. He is the all-time Reds leader in walks, a testament to his keen eye and discipline at the plate. Votto's overall career numbers—2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, 1,171 runs, and a 64.5 WAR—solidify his place as one of the franchise’s all-time greats. He also ranks fourth in career WAR for the Reds, underscoring his significant impact on the team's success over nearly two decades.
Final Chapter and Retirement
After an offseason stint with the Toronto Blue Jays, Votto did not make a return to the majors in 2024. Nonetheless, his legacy remains intact. His career slash line of .294/.409/.511 (144 OPS+) speaks volumes about his consistency and effectiveness as a hitter. Votto's dedication and achievements have left an indelible mark on baseball, especially for Reds fans who witnessed his rise and sustained brilliance.
As Joey Votto steps away from Major League Baseball, his career stands as a beacon of excellence. His story is not just one of impressive statistics but also of a player who consistently strived for greatness, earning the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. The game bids farewell to one of its finest, who has undoubtedly etched his name into the annals of baseball history.