Joey Votto, a Cincinnati Reds Icon, Hangs Up His Cleats
After an impressive 17-season career with the Cincinnati Reds, Joey Votto has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. Votto, who is now 40 years old, has left an indelible mark on the sport, solidifying his place among the greats of baseball history.
Drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 draft, Votto made his major league debut in September 2007 at 23. Quickly demonstrating his prowess at the plate, Votto slashed .321/.360/.548 in 89 plate appearances during his rookie year, finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2008.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Votto earned six All-Star selections and, in 2010, won the coveted National League MVP award. His on-field achievements include leading the league in on-base percentage seven times, walks five times, OPS twice, slugging percentage once, doubles once, WAR once, and OPS+ once. From 2009 to 2017, Votto maintained a remarkable slash line of .315/.436/.545 with a 162 OPS+, underscoring his consistency and dominance at the plate.
Votto's overall career numbers are a testament to his skill and durability. He amassed 2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, and 1,171 runs, achieving a career slash line of .294/.409/.511 (144 OPS+) with a 64.5 WAR. His exceptional discipline at the plate made him the all-time Reds leader in walks.
A Reds Legend
Votto's contributions go beyond his statistical accomplishments. He ranks second in Reds history in on-base percentage, doubles, total bases, home runs, OPS, extra-base hits, and times on base, showcasing his significant impact on the franchise. He also ranks fourth in career WAR for the Reds, underscoring his value to the team over nearly two decades. In addition to his offensive accomplishments, Votto also won a Gold Glove award, highlighting his all-around excellence on the field.
Throughout his tenure with the Reds, Votto consistently performed at an elite level, finishing in the top seven of MVP voting in five additional seasons, including a runner-up finish in 2017 and a third-place finish in 2015.
Final Seasons
In a surprising move during the offseason, Votto signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. However, he did not make it back to the majors in 2024, marking an end to his storied career. Although his final seasons were not as illustrious as his peak years, Votto's legacy remains intact as one of the greatest players in Reds history.
Reflecting on Votto's career, it is clear that he has not only etched his name in Reds lore but has also left a lasting impression on baseball as a whole. His dedication, work ethic, and remarkable achievements will continue to inspire future generations of players. As Votto steps away from the game, he does so with a legacy that will endure for years to come.