Joey Votto Announces Retirement, Capping a Stellar MLB Career
On Wednesday, Joey Votto officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball, concluding a magnificent career that spanned nearly two decades with the Cincinnati Reds. Votto was a cornerstone of the franchise, etching his name in both team lore and the annals of baseball history.
The numbers paint a vivid picture of Votto’s excellence. Over his storied career, he posted an impressive batting line of .294/.409/.511, translating to a remarkable 144 OPS+. He was named the National League MVP in 2010 and made six All-Star appearances, demonstrating his consistent performance at the highest level of the game.
During his tenure, Votto amassed 2,135 hits, including 459 doubles and 356 home runs. He drove in 1,144 runs and crossed the plate 1,171 times himself. His contributions weren't just limited to power numbers; Votto excelled in patience and plate discipline, leading the league in on-base percentage seven times and in walks five times. He also topped the league in OPS twice and slugging percentage once, showing his well-rounded proficiency as a hitter. His performance in advanced metrics was equally impressive, with a career WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 64.5.
Among first basemen, Votto ranks 12th in the JAWS (Jaffe WAR Score system), placing him just one spot behind Miguel Cabrera and ahead of notable Hall of Famers such as Rafael Palmeiro, Willie McCovey, Todd Helton, and Eddie Murray. In fact, Votto ranks ahead of 20 Hall of Fame first basemen in JAWS, which undeniably strengthens his case for Cooperstown induction. His career on-base percentage ranks 42nd all-time, while he sits at 53rd in OPS, 184th in plate appearances, 34th in walks, and 93rd in times on base.
Votto’s excellence was not limited to the regular season. In the playoffs, his batting line stood at .244/.319/.244, with a standout performance in the 2012 NLDS where he hit .389 with a .500 OBP. This stat further highlights Votto’s ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes were highest.
Votto’s clutch performance was a hallmark of his game. With runners in scoring position, he hit .321/.468/.574, and in high-leverage situations, he maintained a slash line of .314/.438/.562. In scenarios with two outs and runners in scoring position, Votto managed a .265 average with an impressive .458 OBP, underscoring his reliability in critical moments.
As Votto steps away from the game, the sentiment among baseball writers and analysts is that his career merits serious Hall of Fame consideration. One writer succinctly summed up the prevailing opinion: "I'm a voter for the first time this year and I can very firmly say I'm going to be a Votto voter when the time comes." Votto’s legacy is not merely defined by the numbers and accolades but also by the respect and admiration he garnered from peers and critics alike.
Joey Votto's retirement marks the end of an era for the Cincinnati Reds and for baseball. His contributions both on and off the field have left an indelible mark, and his career will be remembered as one of the most illustrious of his generation.