Joey Votto Announces Retirement, Closing a Remarkable 17-Season Career with the Reds
After a storied 17-season career with the Cincinnati Reds, Joey Votto has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball at the age of 40. Votto's decision marks the end of an era for the Reds and baseball fans globally, as one of the game's most consistent and proficient hitters steps away from the diamond.
A Promising Start
Votto's journey began when he was drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 draft. It wasn't long before he made his MLB debut with the Reds in September 2007 at the age of 23. His rookie campaign foreshadowed the stellar career that lay ahead, as he posted an impressive slash line of .321/.360/.548 in 89 plate appearances. Votto narrowly missed out on being the National League Rookie of the Year in 2008, finishing second in the voting.
An All-Star Career
His accolades quickly began to accumulate. Votto was named an All-Star six times and achieved pinnacle recognition in 2010 when he won the National League MVP award. His prowess at getting on base was unmatched, as he led the league in on-base percentage seven times and in walks five times.
Votto's impact went beyond just getting on base. He also led the league in OPS twice and even had a league-leading slugging percentage in one season. Adding to his versatility, he topped the league charts in doubles and WAR once and in OPS+ once. From 2009 to 2017, Votto was virtually untouchable, maintaining a slash line of .315/.436/.545 and a phenomenal 162 OPS+ during those years.
Statistical Milestones
Over the course of his career, Votto amassed 2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 home runs, and 1,144 RBIs, while scoring 1,171 runs and accruing a 64.5 WAR. He concluded his career with an impressive overall slash line of .294/.409/.511, translating to a 144 OPS+.
As a testament to his lasting impact on the Reds franchise, Votto ranks second in team history in numerous categories—on-base percentage, doubles, total bases, home runs, OPS, extra-base hits, and times on base. He is the Reds' all-time leader in walks and stands fourth in career WAR for the franchise. His defensive skills were recognized with a Gold Glove award, and he finished in the top seven of MVP voting in five additional seasons, including being the MVP runner-up in 2017 and finishing third in 2015.
The Twilight of a Career
While the tail end of his career saw Votto signing with the Toronto Blue Jays during the offseason, he was unable to make it back to the majors in 2024. Nevertheless, his legacy remains untouched, characterized by a blend of consistency, peak performance, and dedication that few players achieve.
Joey Votto's retirement marks the end of a career that not only places him among the greatest to wear a Cincinnati Reds uniform but also among the elite hitters in the history of Major League Baseball. As fans reflect on his illustrious journey, Votto's influence on the game will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.