Joey Votto, the enduring icon of the Cincinnati Reds, has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball, closing the curtain on a remarkable 17-season career. Votto's journey through baseball has been nothing short of spectacular, marked by myriad personal and team triumphs that have firmly cemented his legacy in the sport.
Drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 draft, Joey Votto made his debut in September 2007 at the age of 23. His rookie season offered a glimpse of his prodigious talent as he slashed .321/.360/.548 in 89 plate appearances, setting the stage for a career defined by consistent excellence. The following year, Votto finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, hinting at the stellar career that was to unfold.
Votto's career achievements are a testament to his dedication and proficiency at the plate. He was a six-time All-Star, cementing himself as one of the best in the business. In 2010, he reached the pinnacle of individual success by winning the National League MVP award, an accolade that recognized his comprehensive offensive prowess. Consistency was Votto's hallmark, as evidenced by his seven league-leading on-base percentages, five seasons leading in walks, and multiple seasons where he dominated in OPS, slugging percentage, doubles, and WAR.
Between 2009 and 2017, Votto was at the peak of his powers, boasting a slash line of .315/.436/.545 and recording a 162 OPS+. His overall career numbers are equally impressive: 2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, 1,171 runs, and a 64.5 WAR. Votto's career slash line of .294/.409/.511 (144 OPS+) reflects his sustained excellence and adaptability across various eras of MLB pitching.
Votto's contributions did not go unnoticed within the Reds organization. He ranks second in team history in on-base percentage, doubles, total bases, home runs, OPS, extra-base hits, and times on base. Moreover, he is the all-time Reds leader in walks and ranks fourth in career WAR for the franchise. Votto also demonstrated his defensive skills, winning a Gold Glove award during his illustrious career.
The 40-year-old Canadian certainly had an eventful career in MVP voting as well. In addition to his 2010 MVP win, Votto finished in the top seven of the voting in another five seasons. Notably, he was the runner-up for the MVP in 2017 and claimed a third-place finish in 2015, showcasing his sustained elite form even in the latter stages of his career.
After spending nearly two decades with the Reds, Votto made headlines again by signing with the Toronto Blue Jays during the offseason. However, despite his efforts, he did not make it back to the majors in 2024. This final chapter underscores the challenging nature of a sport where even the most durable stars eventually confront the end of their playing days.
Votto's retirement marks the conclusion of an era for the Cincinnati Reds and their faithful fans. Reflecting on his career, it is clear that Joey Votto's impact on the game will be remembered for generations. His ability to get on base, generate walks, and maintain a high level of performance year in and year out has left an indelible mark not only on the Reds franchise but on Major League Baseball as a whole.
As we bid farewell to one of baseball's greats, Joey Votto’s legacy stands as a beacon of what dedication, skill, and consistency can achieve in the world of professional sports. His storied career will serve as an inspiration for future generations of players who aspire to the heights he so spectacularly reached.