Reds decline Joey Votto’s option: Cincinnati signals seeming end of legend’s tenure after 17 seasons

After 17 seasons in a Cincinnati Reds uniform, Joey Votto’s time with the membership seems to have come to an end. 

President of baseball operations Nick Krall on Saturday introduced that the group was once shifting on from Votto, because of this they are going to pay the $7 million buyout in his contract and decline his $20 million membership choice for 2024. 

Here is Krall’s statement in full: 

“For 17 seasons, Joey has been the heart of Reds baseball as a Most Valuable Player, All-Star and respected clubhouse leader. His contributions to our team and his extraordinary generosity toward those in need, throughout our region and beyond, cannot be measured. 

“At this level of the low season, according to our present roster and projected plans for 2024, as a company we can’t decide to the taking part in time Joey merits. He eternally might be section of the Reds’ circle of relatives, and on the suitable time we will be able to thank and honor him as one of the best baseball avid gamers of this or any technology.”

Votto, now 40, was once at first drafted through the Reds as a second-rounder in 2002 out of Richview Collegiate Institute in his local Toronto. As a 23-year-old in 2007, Votto arrived in Cincinnati and thus started one of the best careers in franchise historical past. Across the ones 17 seasons, Votto publish an OPS+ of 144 – together with a occupation OBP of .409 – and accrued 2,135 hits; 356 house runs; 1,144 RBI; 1,171 runs scored; and 1,365 walks. Along the way in which, Votto earned an All-Star variety six occasions, gained a Gold Glove, and claimed National League MVP honors in 2010. Votto’s occupation WAR of 64.4 is the fourth-highest ever through a Reds participant, trailing simply Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Barry Larkin. That WAR determine additionally approach Votto has a reputable case to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in the future. 

His age, declining efficiency on the plate, and up to date historical past of accidents might all instructed Votto to retire. However, he chooses to transport ahead, he stands as one of the best and maximum cherished avid gamers of his technology.