Joey Votto Bids Farewell to Major League Baseball
In an era where player loyalty feels increasingly rare, Joey Votto has been a bastion of consistency and excellence for the Cincinnati Reds. After an illustrious 17-season career marked by numerous accolades and consistent performance, Votto, at 40 years old, has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball.
Votto was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the second round of the 2002 draft, a decision that would profoundly impact the franchise over the next two decades. Making his debut with the Reds in September 2007 at the age of 23, he quickly showcased his potential. In his rookie year, Votto made an immediate impact, slashing .321/.360/.548 in 89 plate appearances. It set the stage for a career that would see him finish second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2008.
His career trajectory only soared from there. Votto became a six-time All-Star, an accolade that speaks volumes about his consistent offensive and defensive contributions. He reached the pinnacle of individual achievement in 2010 when he won the National League MVP award, cementing his legacy as one of the premier players of his generation.
Joey Votto's prowess at the plate was exceptional. He led the league in on-base percentage seven times, a testament to his exceptional eye and plate discipline. Over his career, he also led the league in walks five times, slugging percentage once, OPS twice, doubles once, and WAR once. His statistical achievements reflect a player who was constantly at the top of his game, contributing significantly in key offensive metrics. From 2009 to 2017, Votto's performance was otherworldly, with a slash line of .315/.436/.545 and a 162 OPS+.
Votto's overall career numbers are nothing short of impressive. With 2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, 1,171 runs, and a 64.5 WAR, he has left an indelible mark on the sport. His career slash line of .294/.409/.511 (144 OPS+) further underscores his offensive dominance throughout his years in the majors.
Within the Cincinnati Reds franchise, Votto ranks second in on-base percentage, doubles, total bases, home runs, OPS, extra-base hits, and times on base. He is the all-time Reds leader in walks and ranks fourth in career WAR for the franchise. His defensive prowess also didn't go unnoticed, as he secured a Gold Glove award, highlighting his excellence on both sides of the ball.
Despite his numerous accomplishments, Votto's career saw some close calls in MVP voting as well. He finished in the top seven in five additional seasons, showcasing his consistency and elite performance. Notably, he was the MVP runner-up in 2017 and finished third in MVP voting in 2015, further solidifying his reputation as one of the game's best.
As seasons changed, so did Votto's journey. After parting ways with the Reds, he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays during the offseason, perhaps in hopes of making one last push in the majors. However, he did not make it back to the big leagues in 2024, signaling the end of a remarkable career.
Joey Votto's retirement marks the end of an era for the Cincinnati Reds and Major League Baseball. His exceptional career, characterized by remarkable consistency and standout performances, leaves a legacy that will be remembered and celebrated by fans, teammates, and the baseball community. As Votto steps away from the diamond, his contributions to the game will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.