REDS Veteran officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on August 21, 2024, bringing an end to a remarkable 17-year career, all but a few months of it spent with the Cincinnati Reds. In a heartfelt video posted to Instagram, Votto stood outside Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York, and simply said, “That’s it. I’m done.
I am officially retired from baseball.” The message was short, sincere, and very much in line with the humility and thoughtfulness that defined his playing days. Votto used the video and accompanying post to thank the fans, his family, his teammates, and the game itself.
The decision to retire followed a period of reflection and injury setbacks. After the Reds declined his 2024 club option, Votto signed a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, hoping to finish his career with his hometown team.
However, after missing time due to injury and struggling in Triple-A, Votto came to the conclusion that he could no longer perform at a level he deemed acceptable. He admitted he wasn’t the same player anymore, saying “I was awful down there,” referring to his stint with Buffalo, and that the game had simply become too fast for him.
Votto’s career was nothing short of outstanding. He was a six-time All-Star, won the National League MVP in 2010, and captured a Gold Glove in 2011. Known for his keen eye and patient approach at the plate, Votto finished with a .294 career batting average, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, and one of the best on-base percentages of his generation. His consistency and discipline made him one of the most feared hitters in baseball for over a decade.
Despite his personal achievements, Votto often focused on team goals and his responsibility to the Reds and their fans. He was a player who took pride in showing up every day and giving everything he had, physically and mentally. His work ethic and cerebral approach to hitting became the stuff of legend. He was also known for his quirky humor and unique personality, which endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
Votto had hoped to finish his career in a Toronto Blue Jays uniform, representing the city where he was born and raised. Unfortunately, injuries and declining performance made that dream unattainable. Still, he expressed no bitterness. Instead, he said he was grateful for the opportunity and had no regrets about how his career ended. He acknowledged the emotional difficulty of stepping away but emphasized that he was at peace with the decision.
Reaction from around the league was swift and emotional. The Cincinnati Reds posted a simple but powerful message in response to his video: “We love you too, Joey.” Fans, former teammates, and broadcasters flooded social media with tributes to his career and character. For many Reds fans, Votto was the face of the franchise for nearly two decades, and his presence in the clubhouse and on the field will be sorely missed.
Votto’s retirement leaves a massive legacy in Cincinnati. He ranks near the top of nearly every offensive category in Reds history, including home runs, walks, and on-base percentage. More than just the numbers, he represented an era of Reds baseball marked by loyalty, consistency, and integrity. He played the game the right way and stayed with one team through highs and lows, a rarity in modern professional sports.
As the baseball world says goodbye to Joey Votto the player, speculation has already begun about his future — possibly in coaching, broadcasting, or even a Hall of Fame induction down the line. Whether or not he pursues a post-playing career in baseball, one thing is clear: Joey Votto’s impact on the game, and especially on Reds fans, will be felt for years to come.
