Joey Votto Announces Retirement: A Storied Career Comes to an End
Joey Votto, one of the most iconic players in Cincinnati Reds history, has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball at the age of 40. This marks the end of a remarkable 17-season career characterized by outstanding achievements and unforgettable moments.
Votto’s journey began when he was drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 draft. The Toronto native made his debut with the team in September 2007 at 23 years old, quickly establishing himself as a formidable presence on the field. In his rookie year, Votto impressed with a slash line of .321/.360/.548 in 89 plate appearances, which earned him a second-place finish in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2008.
Throughout his career, Votto consistently demonstrated his prowess at the plate. He was a six-time All-Star and took home the 2010 National League MVP award—a testament to his exceptional skills and contributions to the Reds. 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. From 2009 to 2017, Votto’s dominance was reflected in his slash line of .315/.436/.545 and a 162 OPS+, a period during which he was considered one of the best hitters in baseball.
Votto’s overall career numbers are equally impressive. He amassed 2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, 1,171 runs, and a career WAR of 64.5. His career slash line stands at .294/.409/.511 (144 OPS+), highlighting his consistent ability to get on base and hit for power. In Reds franchise history, Votto ranks second in on-base percentage, doubles, total bases, home runs, OPS, extra-base hits, and times on base. He is the franchise's all-time leader in walks and ranks fourth in career WAR, underscoring his significant impact on the team over nearly two decades.
In addition to his offensive achievements, Votto's defensive skills earned him a Gold Glove award. His well-rounded abilities were further recognized with his strong finishes in the MVP voting, where he placed in the top seven in five additional seasons, including a runner-up finish in 2017 and third-place in 2015.
Despite his numerous accolades, Votto's career faced some challenges in its late stages. He signed with the Toronto Blue Jays during the offseason but did not make it back to the majors in 2024. Nevertheless, his contributions to the game and the Reds will be remembered for years to come.
Reflecting on Votto's career, it is clear that he left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball. His combination of power, precision, and patience at the plate made him a model of consistency and excellence. Future generations of players and fans alike will undoubtedly look back on Votto’s career with admiration and respect for the high standard he set.