Joey Votto Announces Retirement After 17 Seasons with Cincinnati Reds
CINCINNATI –Reds’ Joey Votto Retires: A Farewell from the Former MVP Joey Votto, the former Cincinnati Reds first baseman and six-time All-Star, has announced his retirement via Instagram. Reflecting on his 17-year MLB career, the 40-year-old Votto expressed deep gratitude and fulfillment with his time in the sport. “I was myself in this sport,” Votto shared, adding, “I played with every last ounce of my body, heart, and mind.”
Votto had been attempting a comeback through the Toronto Blue Jays’ minor league system but struggled to regain his form. He batted just .165 with a .569 on-base-plus-slugging percentage over 31 games across three different minor league levels this season. In his heartfelt announcement, Votto acknowledged his challenges, stating, “I’m just not good anymore,” and expressed his regret at not being able to play in front of his hometown fans in Toronto.
Earlier this year, Votto signed a minor league contract with Toronto following the conclusion of his 12-year, $251.5 million deal with the Reds. During his time with Cincinnati, Votto played 2,056 games, hitting .294 with 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, and a .920 OPS. Drafted in the second round of the 2002 MLB Draft, he made his major league debut in 2007. In 2010, Votto was named the National League MVP and helped the Reds secure two NL Central titles. He also won his only Gold Glove Award in 2011.
In his retirement post, Votto conveyed his deep affection for Cincinnati, saying, “I’ve only played for you. I love you.” He expressed his thanks to family, fans, teammates, and coaches, and included a short video of himself outside the Buffalo Bisons’ stadium, the Blue Jays’ Triple-A affiliate, after a recent game where he went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, a walk, and a run.
