After 17 distinguished seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, Joey Votto has officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. At 40 years old, Votto concludes his career with a legacy firmly etched in the annals of Reds' history and an indelible mark on the game.
The Canadian-born first baseman was drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 draft and made his MLB debut in September 2007 at the age of 23. Votto quickly proved his worth, posting an impressive .321/.360/.548 slash line in 89 plate appearances during his rookie year. This outstanding performance earned him a second-place finish in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2008, signaling the beginning of a remarkable career.
Votto's career saw numerous accolades, including six All-Star appearances and the 2010 National League MVP award. His prowess at the plate was undeniable; he led the league in on-base percentage seven times, walks five times, OPS twice, slugging percentage once, doubles once, WAR once, and OPS+ once. These consistent league-leading performances solidified his reputation as one of the most disciplined and effective hitters of his generation.
During his peak years from 2009 to 2017, Votto's slash line—an astounding .315/.436/.545—demonstrated his superior batting skills. Additionally, his 162 OPS+ during the same period underscores his offensive impact, which transcended the norms of the league.
In terms of career numbers, Votto amassed 2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, 1,171 runs, and a 64.5 WAR, all contributing to his impressive career slash line of .294/.409/.511 (144 OPS+). In the lore of Reds' history, Votto ranks second in on-base percentage, doubles, total bases, home runs, OPS, extra-base hits, and times on base. He is also the all-time Reds leader in walks and stands fourth in career WAR for the franchise.
Votto’s defensive abilities were notable too, earning him a Gold Glove award. His consistency and excellence were further reflected in MVP voting, where he finished in the top seven five additional times apart from his 2010 MVP win. He notably was the runner-up for the MVP in 2017 and finished third in 2015.
In the off-season, Votto signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, but he did not make it back to the majors in 2024. This decision to retire allows him to bow out with dignity, leaving behind a profound legacy that will be celebrated by Reds fans and baseball enthusiasts alike for years to come.
Joey Votto’s career has been nothing short of legendary. From his early promise to his enduring excellence, he has exemplified what it means to be a professional athlete. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Cincinnati Reds, but his contributions to the team and the sport will not be forgotten.