ST. LOUIS — Joey Votto, a stalwart of the Cincinnati Reds since his debut in 2007, may have concluded his illustrious Major League Baseball career on Sunday. The Reds suffered a 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, marking both teams’ final game of the 2023 season.

If Sunday indeed marked Votto’s farewell game, it was brief and dramatic: He was ejected in the bottom of the first inning for disputing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Shane Livensparger.

After the game, Votto expressed regret to fans who had hoped to see him play in what could have been his final appearance in a Reds uniform. “I cannot holler at the umpire from our team’s bench. He was completely justified in ejecting me,” Votto tweeted. “For those that wanted to see me play today, I am sorry.”

When asked about the possibility of Sunday’s game being his last in a Reds uniform, the former MVP and six-time All-Star admitted uncertainty about his future. “As far as my future, my individual future, I’m still not there yet,” Votto said. “I have been praised and given so much attention this last stretch, I’ve been conflicted in that I’ve appreciated it and I recognize it and I’m grateful for it.”

Reflecting on the standing ovation he received from Reds fans before his first at-bat during the team’s final home game on Sept. 24, Votto acknowledged the mixed emotions surrounding his decision. He completed a 10-year, $225 million contract extension with the Reds in 2012, which includes a club option worth $20 million for the 2024 season with a $7 million buyout.

The Reds have the choice to exercise Votto’s $20 million option for next season or buy him out, potentially allowing him to explore free agency or retire. Through his 2,056 career games with the Reds, Votto holds a .294 batting average with 356 home runs, a .920 OPS, and 1,365 walks, the most among all active MLB players and in Reds team history.

While Votto contemplates his future, he reassured fans that his eventual decision will be memorable. “I can promise you this: Whenever I am done playing, I will speak it. It will be fun and funny,” Votto assured. “I will give it the attention the fans deserve. I will give it the attention those that have supported me and our team deserve. I’m not there, but I can promise you, you’ll enjoy it.”

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