Cincinnati Great Retires After Failed Return
Joey Votto Retires After 17 Years of Big League Baseball
When the Cincinnati Reds drafted Joey Votto in the 2nd round, 44th overall in the 2002 MLB Draft, the organization knew they had gotten and extremely talented player— however, did they think they would be drafted a player who would later become a legend in Cincinnati?
Being drafted out of Canada, Joey Votto made his MLB debut on September 4th, 2007 & continued to play 24 games of the 2007 MLB season. Votto continued to play excellent baseball with the Reds for 16 more seasons until the end of the 2023 season. In his 17 years of Big League Baseball, Votto hit .294/.409/.920 with a career total of 2135 hits, 356 home runs, 1144 RBIs, & 80 stolen bases. When looking at the defensive standpoint, Votto played 1970 career games at first base where he posted a .994 fielding percentage. In addition, Votto played 7 games in left field and 45 games at designated hitter.
Throughout Votto’s 17 seasons, he became a very decorated player— winning many awards which most likely will help his case for the Hall of Fame. Votto won the 2010 National League MVP Award, the 2011 NL Gold Glove Award for first baseman, 2017 Lou Gehrig Award, & was named the 2010 Hank Aaron Award Winner. Additionally, Votto was a 6 time All-Star & a 6 time winner of the Reds Ernie Lombardi MVP Award.
After his 17-year stint with the Cincinnati Reds ended at the end of the 2023 season, Joey Votto became a free agent and he would later sign a one-year minor league deal with his hometown team— the Toronto Blue Jays. Unfortunately, “Who” injured his ankle during Spring Training and had to rehab it for multiple months. During his rehab assignments with the FCL Blue Jays, Dunedin Blue Jays, & AAA Buffalo Bisons, Votto hit .165 with 14 hits (9 singles, 3 doubles, & 2 home runs). After suffering the injury & struggling in the minor leagues, Votto decided to hang up the cleats.
Although Votto was never able to make a comeback to the Major Leagues with his hometown team, he still has a tremendous 17-year career with the Cincinnati Reds.
