Joey Votto Calls Time on an Illustrious MLB Career
After an impressive 17-season run with the Cincinnati Reds, Joey Votto has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball at the age of 40. Votto, known for his exceptional hitting ability and sharp eye at the plate, leaves behind a legacy pierced with accolades and records that will be talked about for years to come.
Votto's journey began when he was drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 draft. Fast forward to September 2007, a 23-year-old Votto made his debut and immediately showcased his potential. In his rookie year, he posted a remarkable slash line of .321/.360/.548 in 89 plate appearances. This stellar performance set the stage for what would be a prolific career, as he finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2008.
The Toronto native's career is punctuated by numerous achievements. Votto was a six-time All-Star and won the National League MVP award in 2010. His keen eye for pitches put him atop the league in on-base percentage seven times and in walks five times. He also led the league in OPS twice, slugging percentage once, doubles once, WAR once, and OPS+ once. Votto’s knack for getting on base and driving in runs was prominent, especially from 2009 to 2017, when he slashed .315/.436/.545 and accumulated a 162 OPS+.
Throughout his career, Votto amassed an impressive array of statistics. He finishes with 2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, and 1,171 runs. His career slash line stands at .294/.409/.511 with a 144 OPS+. Votto's contributions placed him second in Reds history in several offensive categories, including on-base percentage, doubles, total bases, home runs, OPS, extra-base hits, and times on base. Furthermore, he holds the Reds' all-time record in walks and ranks fourth in career WAR for the franchise.
In addition to his offensive prowess, Votto was a dependable presence in the field, winning a Gold Glove award which highlighted his defensive capabilities. His skill and consistency allowed him to finish in the top seven of MVP voting in five additional seasons. Notably, he was the MVP runner-up in 2017 and finished third in MVP voting in 2015.
Votto’s career took a new turn when he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays during the offseason. Unfortunately, he did not make it back to the majors in 2024. Yet, his contributions to the game remain undeniable. Joey Votto’s career, marked by his dedication, consistency, and elite performance, places him among the greats in the history of the sport. As he steps away from the field, Votto’s legacy as one of baseball's most accomplished and respected players will continue to inspire future generations.