Joey Votto Announces Retirement, Leaves a Legacy with Cincinnati Reds
In a heartfelt announcement on Wednesday, Joey Votto officially declared his retirement from Major League Baseball, drawing the curtain on a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades with the Cincinnati Reds.
Votto's journey in professional baseball is one that will be remembered for his consistency and excellence at the plate. As a cornerstone of the Reds, Votto's impact was felt both on and off the field. His career batting line stands as a testament to his skill, with a .294 batting average, a .409 on-base percentage, and a .511 slugging percentage, culminating in an impressive 144 OPS+.
His numerous achievements highlight his dominance as a hitter. Votto was named the National League MVP in 2010, made six All-Star appearances, and led the league in various statistical categories throughout his career. He topped the league in on-base percentage seven times and in walks five times. Additionally, he led the league in OPS twice and slugging percentage once. These accomplishments secured his place as one of the leading first basemen of his era.
Beyond his ability to get on base, Votto accumulated 2,135 hits, including 459 doubles and 356 home runs. He drove in 1,144 runs and scored 1,171 times, contributions that were integral to the team's performances over the years. His career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) stands at 64.5, underscoring his all-around value to the team.
Votto's rankings among MLB greats further cement his legacy. He ranks 42nd all-time in on-base percentage (OBP), 53rd in OPS, 184th in plate appearances, 34th in walks, and 93rd in times on base. These rankings reflect his consistency and sustained excellence throughout his career.
Among first basemen, Votto's standing is particularly notable. He ranks 12th in JAWS (Jaffe WAR Score system), a metric that evaluates a player's Hall of Fame worthiness by comparing their career and peak performance. Remarkably, he ranks just one spot behind Miguel Cabrera, another first baseman celebrated for his hitting prowess. Votto's position in this ranking places him ahead of renowned players, including Rafael Palmeiro, Willie McCovey, Todd Helton, and Eddie Murray. In fact, Votto ranks ahead of 20 Hall of Fame first basemen in JAWS, a testament to his exceptional career.
Despite his regular-season success, Votto's playoff performances presented a mixed bag of outcomes. His overall playoff batting line was .244/.319/.244. However, he did shine in specific instances, hitting .389 with a .500 OBP in the 2012 National League Division Series (NLDS). With runners in scoring position, Votto was a formidable force, posting a slash line of .321/.468/.574. In high-leverage situations, he maintained a .314/.438/.562 line, and in two-out, runners-in-scoring-position scenarios, he managed a .265 average with a .458 OBP.
The sentiment among baseball writers and analysts is clear: Votto's career merits Hall of Fame consideration. "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," expressed one writer. This sentiment echoes the respect and admiration held for Votto within the baseball community.
Reflecting on Joey Votto's career, it's evident that he left an indelible mark on the game. His consistent performance, coupled with his statistical achievements, positions him among the greats of the sport. As he steps away from the diamond, the conversation inevitably turns to his place in Cooperstown, with many believing that his contributions to the game deserve the highest honor in baseball.
Joey Votto's legacy with the Cincinnati Reds and Major League Baseball will endure, celebrating a player who exemplified excellence, professionalism, and a relentless drive to succeed.