Former Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto announced his retirement from professional baseball on Wednesday through a heartfelt Instagram post, marking the end of an illustrious 17-year career. The 40-year-old, who last played for the Reds in 2023, had signed with the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this season but never made it onto their major league roster.
Despite not returning to the field, Votto’s legacy as one of the most consistent and impactful hitters of his era remains solid. Over his career, he earned six MLB All-Star selections, a National League MVP award, and a Gold Glove. He ended his career with a .294 batting average, an OPS of .920, and 356 home runs in 2,056 games, all with the Reds.
Votto retires as a Reds legend, ranking second in franchise history with 356 home runs, just behind Johnny Bench’s 389. His 2,135 hits place him fifth on the Reds’ all-time list, and his 1,144 RBIs rank third.
In his retirement announcement, Votto expressed deep gratitude to his family, friends, teammates, and fans. He reflected on his career with the Reds, saying, “Cincinnati, I’ve only played for you. I love you.” He also thanked MLB fans for their support, recounting memorable moments and expressing appreciation for their energy and enthusiasm.
Votto’s retirement is a poignant moment for baseball, marking the end of the career of one of the game’s most respected and beloved players.
BLAKE SNELL HAS THROWN A NO-HITTER!!! pic.twitter.com/ii1ioqoy0y
— MLB (@MLB) August 3, 2024