CINCINNATI – For the first time in 21 years as a professional baseball player, first baseman Joey Votto is without a team.
Votto, 40, became a free agent on Saturday after the Reds declined his $20 million club option. He received a $7 million buyout. Although president of baseball operations Nick Krall personally announced Thursday that he likely wouldn’t be brought back, Votto still absorbed the news.
“If this is the last time I play for the Reds, then I just had a great time,” said Votto. “It has remained stable in terms of joy, satisfaction and pride. It’s more than I could have ever imagined. I want to make sure I give myself some room for flexibility if things change in the future.”
As a free agent, Votto could still sign with the Reds, but Krall noted that the decision was based on the current roster full of young infielders who have priority for playing time.
“I’ve never been told no,” Votto said. “Since [being drafted in] In 2002 I basically had all the playing time. I always had the opportunity to prove myself. All I ever knew is that I’m going to play all the time, play well and not answer because my time on the field answers all the questions. This is a transition that every professional athlete has experienced. It is an experience that is new for me. I’m a little at a loss for words. It’s a challenging experience. It encourages reflection and gratitude for what my time as a Cincinnati Red is and was. It was very special.”
Votto — the iconic Reds player of his generation, 2010 National League MVP and six-time All-Star — is second all-time in franchise history in home runs (356), doubles (459) and OPS (.920), first in walks (1,365), third in runs (1,171), fourth in hits (2,135) and fifth in games played (2,056).
Since his big league debut in 2007, Votto has been a .294 hitter in 17 seasons and has seen his numbers decline sharply in the last two seasons. In the 2022-23 season, he hit .204 with a .712 OPS and 25 home runs in just 156 games.
This included surgery on his left shoulder in August 2022 to repair a torn rotator cuff and biceps. He was out of action for ten months before returning in June.
The injury and lack of usual production could complicate Votto’s chances on the open market. He would like to continue playing for at least another season after an offseason with training sessions that do not require shoulder rehabilitation.
“One thing I want: I want to say [when] “I’m done,” Votto said. “Maybe the game will say I’m done.” Maybe the league in general will say I’m done, but I want to say I’m done. I’m really proud of how I’ve managed to persevere and work to perform the last few years. As far as I’m concerned in the future, it’s a big change. It’s such a shock. I’ll need a little time to see how I think and feel. What I said earlier that I would play another year is still true in my opinion.
“I have limited control over that. I wish I gave Reds fans a better show.
During Votto’s time in Cincinnati, the Reds went to the postseason four times in 2010, 2012, 2013 and ’20. However, they never made it past a playoff round. He wishes he could have been to a World Series with the club.
“I’m a story guy. That’s one of the reasons why it hurt so much today,” Votto said. “I started a story in 2002 as an 18-year-old and wanted to finish it as Red. … The story that I wanted to be a part of, coming back from an injury and feeling good, that’s what I wanted to be a part of a World Series for the Reds.
“As far as chasing another team, as soon as I put on a jersey, I play to win. There’s no question that I play to win, play playoff ball and win a championship. That must be clear. I wanted to be a champion as a Cincinnati Red and give that to our fans and go through Cincinnati.
The Reds were a surprise candidate in 2023 with a young squad and narrowly missed the playoffs with a record of 82-80. After his season debut, Votto enjoyed being part of an energetic and young clubhouse.
Votto was the undisputed face of the franchise. Now the next generation of stars like Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Hunter Greene will take over.
“It’s special to be part of a team that electrifies a city,” Votto said. “I’ve never really been part of a team like that.” With that in mind, I think the current team that is in this clubhouse and will be in this clubhouse for the foreseeable future has a chance to electrify this city. … I think in all likelihood I’ll be watching a team bring special moments to this fan base.”
In Season 23, other star players, such as Adam Wainwright with the Cardinals and Miguel Cabrera with the Tigers, suffered big goodbyes as they retired. Votto never wanted to have a farewell season with the Reds, careful not to let the attention be a distraction.
But on September 24 against the Pirates, his final home game at Great American Ball Park, Votto received a spontaneous standing ovation and recognition. It came from fans before, during and after the game.
It was perfect for Votto.
“To look out into the crowd, feel the energy, love and support and really take it in and experience a rare moment that an athlete can experience. It was completely unsolicited. I never asked about it. I’m very happy with the team.” “I’ve never arranged anything like this before. That’s not my style,” Votto said. “It is without question the best moment of my career. … This is the very best moment of something I’ve dedicated my entire life to. I was stunned at the time and will always think about it. You can’t buy that.” You can’t order it. You can’t hope for it.”