On Wednesday, Joey Votto officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball, capping off a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on the sport. For nearly two decades, Votto was a cornerstone of the Cincinnati Reds, bringing both consistency and excellence to the ballclub and its fans.
Over his storied career, Votto posted an impressive batting line of .294/.409/.511, translating to a 144 OPS+. These figures underscore his prowess at the plate, where he became a feared hitter league-wide. Votto’s exceptional performance in the 2010 season earned him the National League MVP, a testament to his elite abilities.
A Decorated Career
Votto's résumé is flush with accolades. He was selected for the All-Star team six times, further cementing his status as one of the premier players of his era. Among first basemen, Votto ranks 12th in JAWS (Jaffe WAR Score system), placing him just one spot behind Miguel Cabrera and ahead of legends like Rafael Palmeiro, Willie McCovey, Todd Helton, and Eddie Murray. In fact, Votto ranks ahead of 20 Hall of Fame first basemen in JAWS, arguably showcasing his Hall-of-Fame-worthy career.
Amassing 2,135 hits, Votto also tallied 459 doubles and 356 home runs. He drove in 1,144 runs and scored 1,171 times, while accumulating a stellar 64.5 WAR (Wins Above Replacement). These numbers speak volumes about his all-around talent and durability.
A Master of the Strike Zone
One of Votto's defining characteristics was his extraordinary plate discipline. He led the league in on-base percentage seven times and walks five times. Votto also led the league in OPS twice and slugging percentage once, demonstrating his ability to combine power with an excellent eye. His standing in statistical rankings further cements his legacy: 42nd all-time in on-base percentage, 53rd in OPS, 184th in plate appearances, 34th in walks, and 93rd in times on base.
Notably, Votto excelled in crucial moments. His batting line with runners in scoring position was a remarkable .321/.468/.574. In high-leverage situations, he maintained a slash line of .314/.438/.562, underscoring his clutch performance. In two-out, runners-in-scoring-position scenarios, he boasted a .265 average with a .458 OBP, signaling his ability to deliver when the stakes were highest.
Playoff Performance
While Votto's overall playoff batting line stood at .244/.319/.244, he shone brightly in the 2012 National League Division Series, hitting .389 with a .500 OBP. Though his postseason opportunities were limited, these performances displayed his capability to rise to the occasion.
Hall of Fame Consideration
The sentiment among baseball writers and analysts is that Votto’s career merits Hall of Fame consideration. One writer summed it up aptly: "I'm a voter for the first time this year and I can very firmly say I'm going to be a Votto voter when the time comes."
As Joey Votto steps away from the game, he leaves behind a legacy defined by consistency, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. His tenure with the Cincinnati Reds may have come to an end, but his impact on the game of baseball will be felt for years to come.