Joey Votto, the esteemed first baseman who carved out an exemplary 17-season career with the Cincinnati Reds, has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball at the age of 40. This marks the end of an era for Reds fans and baseball enthusiasts who have followed Votto's illustrious journey from a promising young talent into one of the sport's most respected figures.
Drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 draft, Votto made his major league debut in September 2007 at 23. He wasted no time showcasing his potential, racking up a .321/.360/.548 slash line in just 89 plate appearances during his rookie year. This impressive performance earned him a second-place finish in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2008, setting the stage for what would become a stellar career.
Votto's career is adorned with numerous accolades, underscoring his consistent excellence on the field. A six-time All-Star and the 2010 National League MVP, Votto led the league in on-base percentage seven times, a testament to his keen eye and disciplined approach at the plate. He also led the league in walks five times, OPS twice, and once in slugging percentage, doubles, WAR, and OPS+.
From 2009 to 2017, a period where Votto was at his peak, he maintained a remarkable slash line of .315/.436/.545 with a 162 OPS+. These numbers are a reflection of his dominance during this era, marking him as one of the premier hitters in the game. Across his entire career, Votto accumulated 2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, 1,171 runs, and achieved a 64.5 WAR. His overall career slash line of .294/.409/.511 (144 OPS+) positions him among the elite hitters of his generation.
Within the Reds franchise, Votto ranks second in on-base percentage, doubles, total bases, home runs, OPS, extra-base hits, and times on base. He holds the franchise record for the most walks and ranks fourth in career WAR. These stats underline his significant contribution to the team over nearly two decades. Additionally, Votto's excellence in fielding earned him a Gold Glove award, further complementing his offensive prowess.
Votto's competitive spirit and leadership were evident throughout his career, with him finishing in the top seven of MVP voting in five additional seasons. In 2015, he finished third in MVP voting, and in 2017, he was MVP runner-up, underscoring his consistent performance and value to the Reds.
After an 11th-hour deal, Votto signed with the Toronto Blue Jays during the offseason, hinting at a possible return to the majors. However, he did not make it back to the major league level in 2024.
Joey Votto's storied career is a narrative of perseverance, skill, and class. His departure from the game leaves a void not just for the Reds but for baseball as a whole. While his on-field presence will be missed, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players and fans.