Read about Joey Votto
Six-time All-Star first baseman Joey Votto, the 2010 National League Most Valuable Player, is retiring after 15 major league seasons with the Cincinnati Reds.
The 40-year-old shared the news in a short video Wednesday night on social media, followed by a longer written message.
I was true to myself in this sport. I gave it everything I had—my body, heart, and mind. Thank you for everything.
The video was made outside Buffalo's Sahlen Field, where Votto had played while the Blue Jays' Triple-A team was on the road. The Reds had just come from their 11-7 win over the Blue Jays, so he went downtown to Toronto's stadium, where he spent some time visiting the Cincinnati clubhouse, seeing some old friends and speaking with reporters on his decision to step aside.
Discover Amanda Gorman: The poet who captivated the DNC on Night 3.
Votto is also a Toronto native and signed a Minor League free agent deal with his hometown club back in March. He played for Triple-A club in 15 games, going for one home run and four RBIs with six hits in 42 at bats, having struck 22 times.
"I had moments of doubt, wondering if this was the right decision," Votto admitted. "But after a while, I realized it was time. I wasn't playing well, and it became clear to me."
While Votto pointedly remarked that he had "zero regrets" about the affair, he did offer his disappointment over not playing for the Blue Jays this season.
"I really wanted to play a year in Toronto, in front of my family, in front of my country," he said. "It saddens me that I couldn't make it happen."
Votto became a free agent last fall after completing a 12-year, $251.5 million contract with the Reds, who had drafted him in the second round of the 2002 amateur draft. Cincinnati declined Votto's $20 million option for 2024.
In his 17 seasons with the Reds, Votto batted .294/.409 with 356 home runs and 1,144 RBIs over the course of 2,056 games. He added seven National League on-base percentage titles and a Gold Glove in 2011.
Votto said that he knew the game had changed in so many ways and that he felt he could no longer compete.
"The game has gotten faster, and I'm not fast anymore," Votto said. "It's now about dynamic defense, and I've basically slowed down. Offensively, I tried my best, but I wasn't good enough, especially for my position. At some point, you have to accept the reality."
Learn how Tim Walz's son Gus is shining a light on disabilities in America.
Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson, who became friends with Votto as they went through the system together, was effusive talking about his friend and former teammate.
"It was an honor to know him both as a player and a person," said Stephenson, leaving a big smile on his face. "He's truly one of the all-time greats."
Reds manager David Bell learned of Votto's decision after the team's win over the Blue Jays.
"I'm so happy for Joey and the incredible career he's had," said an emotional David Bell. "He was an extraordinary player." Coming from Jenkins, the Blue Jays' manager also expressed similar views.
"Joey had an unbelievable career," Schneider said. "It was a pleasure to get to know him, even briefly, during spring training."
A shoulder injury has limited Votto to 65 games in 2023. His first game of the season came June 19, 10 months after surgery on his left bowl and rotator cuff.
Votto hit a home run off Philadelphia's Zack Wheeler in his only spring at-bat for the Blue Jays on March 17. He then stepped on a bat in the dugout later in that game and missed the next three months.
Related Queries:
joey votto
joey votto stats
mvp