Joey Votto, a name synonymous with dedication and excellence in Major League Baseball, has announced his retirement after a distinguished 17-season career with the Cincinnati Reds. At the age of 40, Votto leaves behind a legacy that has firmly established him as one of the greats in the sport.
Votto's journey began in the second round of the 2002 draft, when the Reds saw potential in the young Canadian. He made his highly anticipated debut in September 2007 at 23, and it didn’t take long for Votto to make a significant impact. In his rookie year, he slashed an impressive .321/.360/.548 in 89 plate appearances, finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2008.
Over his career, Votto was selected as an All-Star six times and earned the highest individual accolade in 2010 by winning the National League MVP award. His performances were marked by consistency and excellence, leading the league in on-base percentage seven times, walks five times, OPS and slugging percentage twice, and even WAR and OPS+ once each. Remarkably, from 2009 to 2017, Votto maintained a slash line of .315/.436/.545 with a 162 OPS+, numbers that underscore his exceptional talent and unwavering performance level.
Votto's overall career statistics speak volumes about his contribution to the game. He amassed 2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 home runs, and 1,144 RBIs, finishing with a career slash line of .294/.409/.511 (144 OPS+). His 64.5 WAR is a testament to his value to the Reds, where he ranks fourth in career WAR, but his influence goes beyond numbers. Votto is second in Reds history in on-base percentage, doubles, total bases, home runs, OPS, extra-base hits, and times on base, and he holds the distinction of being the all-time Reds leader in walks.
In addition to his offensive prowess, Votto was recognized for his defensive skills with a Gold Glove award. His contributions were not just limited to winning titles; he consistently delivered performances that placed him in the consideration for MVP, finishing in the top seven in MVP voting in five additional seasons, including being the runner-up in 2017 and finishing third in 2015.
In a surprising turn during the offseason, Votto signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, hoping to make a final push back into the majors. Unfortunately, he did not make it back to the majors in 2024, which ultimately led him to decide it was time to hang up his cleats.
Votto's career is a narrative of sustained excellence and professional growth, leaving an indelible mark on the Cincinnati Reds and the broader baseball community. His retirement signals the end of an era for Reds fans and the MLB, celebrating a player who not only achieved personal success but also inspired many with his dedication and love for the game. As Joey Votto steps away from the field, his legacy as one of baseball's elite will endure, setting a standard for future generations to aspire to.