Joey Votto's Stellar Career Comes to a Close
On Wednesday, Joey Votto officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades with the Cincinnati Reds. The news of Votto's departure marks the conclusion of an era in Cincinnati baseball history, where his consistency and excellence left an indelible mark.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Votto compiled a batting line of .294/.409/.511, which translates to a highly impressive 144 OPS+. He consistently demonstrated an elite level of performance, a fact underscored by his 2010 National League MVP award and six All-Star appearances.
Cincinnati’s Cornerstone
For years, Votto was the bedrock of the Reds' lineup. His longevity and productivity were matched by few in the game. Votto amassed 2,135 hits which included 459 doubles and 356 home runs. His ability to drive in runs and be a constant presence on base was evident as he collected 1,144 RBIs and scored 1,171 runs. His career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 64.5 is a testament to his overall value to the team.
Votto's mastery of the strike zone was a defining characteristic of his play. Leading the league in on-base percentage seven times and in walks five times, he was a perennial nightmare for pitchers. Additionally, he led the league in OPS twice and slugging percentage once, showcasing his comprehensive offensive skill set.
Historical Rankings
In the all-time rankings, Votto holds esteemed positions. He ranks 42nd in on-base percentage (OBP) and 53rd in OPS. With 34th place in walks and 93rd in times on base, his presence in the lists of baseball's greats is secure. He also ranks 184th in plate appearances, a number that reflects both his durability and enduring talent.
Among first basemen, Votto's standing in the Jaffe WAR Score system (JAWS) is particularly significant. He ranks 12th, just one spot behind Miguel Cabrera, and ahead of illustrious names like Rafael Palmeiro, Willie McCovey, Todd Helton, and Eddie Murray. Overall, his position in the JAWS ranking places him ahead of 20 Hall of Fame first basemen, cementing his legacy as one of the best to ever play the position.
Postseason Performance
While Votto's career postseason numbers might not appear as dominant (.244/.319/.244), it is important to highlight his performance in the most crucial situations. In the 2012 National League Division Series, he batted an outstanding .389 with a .500 OBP. Moreover, with runners in scoring position, Votto shone brightly with a .321/.468/.574 line, and in high-leverage situations, he posted a sterling .314/.438/.562. In the toughest scenarios, with two outs and runners in scoring position, he still managed to hit .265 with a .458 OBP.
Hall of Fame Consideration
The debate regarding Joey Votto's Hall of Fame credentials is vibrant among baseball writers and analysts. His extraordinary career and consistent excellence make a compelling case. As one writer clearly stated, "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." This sentiment reflects a broad appreciation and acknowledgment of Votto's impact and greatness.
Joey Votto's retirement is not just the end of a player’s career but the closing chapter of a storied segment of baseball history. His contributions, both statistically and culturally, leave an enduring legacy for fans, teammates, and aspiring baseball players.