Joey Votto has officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball, closing the chapter on an illustrious 17-season career with the Cincinnati Reds. At the age of 40, Votto leaves behind a legacy filled with notable achievements and remarkable consistency.
Votto was drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 draft, making his debut with the team in September 2007 at the age of 23. It didn't take long for him to make an impression; in his rookie year, he slashed .321/.360/.548 in 89 plate appearances, finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2008.
Over the course of his career, Votto proved to be a formidable presence at the plate. He was a six-time All-Star and earned the coveted 2010 National League MVP award. His excellence wasn't limited to a single season, as he consistently led the league in key statistical categories. Votto topped the league in on-base percentage seven times, walks five times, OPS twice, slugging percentage once, doubles once, WAR once, and OPS+ once. His ability to get on base and drive in runs made him an invaluable asset to the Reds.
From 2009 to 2017, Votto posted an impressive slash line of .315/.436/.545, with a 162 OPS+. His overall career numbers speak volumes: 2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, 1,171 runs, and a WAR of 64.5. His career slash line of .294/.409/.511, translating to a 144 OPS+, underscores his consistent performance over the years.
In the annals of Reds history, Votto ranks highly in several categories. He is second in on-base percentage, doubles, total bases, home runs, OPS, extra-base hits, and times on base. Additionally, he is the all-time Reds leader in walks and ranks fourth in career WAR for the Reds franchise. His defensive prowess was also recognized with a Gold Glove award.
Votto's ability to maintain his elite performance throughout his career is evidenced by his multiple top finishes in MVP voting. Besides winning the MVP in 2010, he finished in the top seven of MVP voting in five additional seasons, was the MVP runner-up in 2017, and finished third in MVP voting in 2015.
Despite signing with the Toronto Blue Jays during the offseason, Votto did not make it back to the majors in 2024. His decision to retire marks the end of an era for a player who has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Joey Votto's career will be remembered for his exceptional skill, determination, and the significant impact he made on the Cincinnati Reds and Major League Baseball as a whole. His name will undoubtedly be mentioned among the greats, as he transitions from the field to the next chapter of his life.