Joey Votto Announces Retirement: Reflecting on a Stellar 17-Season MLB Career
Joey Votto, a cornerstone of the Cincinnati Reds for nearly two decades, has officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. At the age of 40, Votto closes the chapter on a remarkable 17-season career that leaves an indelible mark on both the team and the sport.
A Cincinnati Legacy
Selected by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 MLB Draft, Joey Votto made his debut for the team in September 2007 at the age of 23. His rookie season foreshadowed the stellar career that lay ahead, as he posted an impressive .321/.360/.548 slash line in 89 plate appearances and finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2008. From there, he would go on to become one of the most prominent figures in Reds history.
Accolades and Achievements
Votto’s career is decorated with numerous accomplishments. He was a six-time All-Star and claimed the National League MVP award in 2010. His prowess at the plate was unrivaled; he led the league in on-base percentage seven times, walks five times, OPS twice, and slugging percentage once. Additionally, Votto topped the league in doubles, WAR, and OPS+ at different points in his career.
His consistency over the years is highlighted by his exceptional performance from 2009 to 2017, during which he recorded a .315/.436/.545 slash line with a 162 OPS+. These statistics underscore his dominance during that era, when he was frequently among the league’s elite hitters.
Milestone Moments
Votto’s career numbers are equally impressive. He accumulated 2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 home runs, and 1,144 RBIs, along with 1,171 runs and a 64.5 WAR. His career slash line stands at .294/.409/.511, translating to a stellar 144 OPS+.
Within the Reds' franchise, Votto is a towering figure. He ranks second in team history in several categories, including on-base percentage, doubles, total bases, home runs, OPS, extra-base hits, and times on base. Notably, he is the all-time Reds leader in walks and ranks fourth in career WAR for the franchise. His defensive skills also earned him a Gold Glove award.
Near Misses and Close Contests
Beyond his MVP-winning 2010 season, Votto consistently performed at a high level, finishing in the top seven of MVP voting in five additional seasons. He was the MVP runner-up in 2017 and finished third in 2015, underscoring his sustained excellence over the years.
Final Season and Retirement
After an illustrious tenure with the Reds, Votto signed with the Toronto Blue Jays during the offseason but did not make it back to the majors in 2024. The decision to hang up his cleats marks the end of an era for Reds fans and the broader baseball community, who have witnessed Votto's remarkable journey and contributions to the game.
As Joey Votto steps away from the field, his legacy as one of the greatest hitters and most consistent performers of his generation remains firmly intact. The Reds, their fans, and the entire baseball community will undoubtedly remember his career with respect and admiration, celebrating the countless moments of brilliance he brought to the sport.