In an announcement that marks the end of an illustrious career, Joey Votto has officially retired from Major League Baseball. The 40-year-old first baseman leaves behind a legacy of excellence, having spent his entire 17-season career with the Cincinnati Reds. Drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 draft, Votto made his debut in September 2007 at the age of 23, quickly making a name for himself in the big leagues.
Outstanding Early Career
Votto’s talent was apparent from the onset. In his rookie year, he slashed an impressive .321/.360/.548 in 89 plate appearances. This performance earned him a second-place finish in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2008, setting the stage for what would be an extraordinary career.
Accolades and Achievements
Throughout his career, Votto was a six-time All-Star and claimed the 2010 National League MVP award. His consistency at the plate was a hallmark of his game, as evidenced by leading the league in on-base percentage seven times and in walks five times. Over his career, he also led the league in OPS twice, slugging percentage once, doubles once, WAR once, and OPS+ once.
Peak Performance
The period from 2009 to 2017 can be considered the peak of Votto's career, where he posted a slash line of .315/.436/.545, and a remarkable 162 OPS+. Votto’s career as a whole showcases his offensive prowess, with his overall numbers standing at 2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, 1,171 runs, and a 64.5 WAR.
Club Records and Legacy
In the history of the Cincinnati Reds, Votto ranks 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 franchise.
His defensive skills were also noteworthy, earning him a Gold Glove award. The influence of his presence extended beyond individual accolades; he finished in the top seven of MVP voting in five additional seasons, was the MVP runner-up in 2017, and finished third in 2015.
Final Seasons and Postseason Play
Votto signed with the Toronto Blue Jays during the offseason, an emotional homecoming for the Toronto native. However, he did not make it back to the majors in 2024, thus concluding his storied career without another appearance on the grand stage.
Joey Votto’s career slash line of .294/.409/.511 with a 144 OPS+ places him among the all-time greats in the sport. His departure from the game marks the end of an era for the Reds and leaves a void that will be challenging to fill. Joey Votto’s journey through Major League Baseball is a testament to talent, dedication, and excellence, crafting a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.