Joey Votto, the iconic first baseman who has been the face of the Cincinnati Reds for the better part of two decades, has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball at the age of 40. This marks the end of an illustrious 17-season career, all spent with the Reds.
Originally drafted by Cincinnati in the second round of the 2002 draft, Votto made his major league debut in September 2007 at the age of 23. From that moment, it was clear Votto was poised for greatness. In his rookie year, he posted an impressive .321/.360/.548 slash line over 89 plate appearances, finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2008.
Votto's consistency and skill quickly established him as one of the preeminent hitters in the game. Over his career, he was named a six-time All-Star and achieved the pinnacle of individual success with the 2010 National League MVP award. His statistical accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable. Votto led the league in on-base percentage seven times, walks five times, OPS twice, and slugging percentage once. Additionally, he topped the league in doubles, WAR, and OPS+ once each.
From 2009 to 2017, Votto was in a class of his own, maintaining a slash line of .315/.436/.545 with a 162 OPS+. His overall career numbers further bolster his Hall of Fame credentials: 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 an impressive .294/.409/.511 (144 OPS+).
Within the storied Cincinnati Reds franchise, Votto's name is etched prominently in the record books. He ranks second in team history in on-base percentage, doubles, total bases, home runs, OPS, extra-base hits, and times on base. Remarkably, he holds the franchise's all-time record for walks and ranks fourth in career WAR for the Reds. His defensive prowess was also recognized with a Gold Glove award, and he finished among the top seven in MVP voting in five additional seasons, including runner-up in 2017 and third place in 2015.
While Votto's career with the Reds was celebrated and storied, his final chapter took a different turn. After leaving Cincinnati, Votto signed with the Toronto Blue Jays during the offseason. Yet, despite his efforts, he did not make it back to the majors in 2024.
Votto's on-field achievements are matched by his influence off the field. Known for his thoughtful approach to the game and his charismatic interactions with fans, Votto leaves a legacy that transcends mere numbers. His impact on the Reds’ organization and Major League Baseball as a whole is profound, serving as an example of dedication, excellence, and love for the sport.
As fans and analysts alike reflect on Votto's career, the consensus is clear: Joey Votto is not just a stat line or a list of accolades. He represents a commitment to the craft of baseball, the spirit of competition, and the heart of a franchise. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Cincinnati Reds, but his legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.