Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto on playing next year: ‘I just don’t have an answer yet’
After leaving the Cincinnati Reds game in the middle of his 17th season, abruptly, what’s next for Joey Votto and the team?
Votto stated, “As far as my future, my individual future, I’m still not there yet,” around thirty minutes following the Cardinals’ 4-3 victory on Sunday. “I simply am not present.”
If the goal of this Reds season, which has been filled with big-league debuts and postseason competition, was to usher in a new era of competitive baseball in Cincinnati, then the focus of the summer will be on whether or not the Votto era comes to an end in Cincinnati.
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If all of that youthful hitting talent can hold onto places and at-bats in 2024, it will definitely affect whether Votto makes a comeback for a record 18 seasons.
The weight of his contract’s $20 million club option, which has a $7 million buyout, also does.
In addition, Votto’s ultimate goal of playing until he is 40 is contingent upon his assessment of his health and potential for success the next season.
“Over the past few days, I’ve received so much attention and praise that I’ve been conflicted—I recognize and appreciate it, and I’m grateful for it,” he said. However, there is also the competitive side of me that says, “Just let me compete today; I don’t want to focus on anything else.” How can I support the group? How can I contribute to our progress toward a postseason berth?
“So, a lot has happened all at once.”
Votto hasn’t ruled out playing for another team if he feels he doesn’t fit in or both parties don’t want to play for the Reds.
However, team president Nick Krall stated that Votto could never play for another team. Additionally, he stated that the club has not yet chosen how to respond to the Votto ruling on its side.
Votto’s enormous influence on the squad, this particular collection of young players, and the importance of his return to the team’s effort for next season have all been discussed by manager David Bell and teammates.
And that doesn’t even begin to account for the hordes of fans who, judging by their responses on social media and at Great American Ball Park since his return from shoulder surgery in June, appear to want him back.
“I appreciate the help. He remarked on Sunday, “I understand the interest. But at this point, I’m at a loss for words.
So let’s see. Let’s see.
In case the game he was ejected from, which happened in the second inning due to a strike call in the first inning, was his final one, he would have finished with a career average of.294; an OPS of.920; 356 home runs; 2,135 hits; 1,144 RBIs; a.409 on-base percentage; and a Hall of Fame candidate.
Teammates, though, claim they want him back. And opponents, including Ian Happ of the Cubs, Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals, and Miguel Cabrera of Detroit, agree Votto still appears capable of playing at a high level entering the upcoming season.
Will he, though? Where, also? And in what circumstances?
If you believed that this club had drama over the final few weeks of a thrilling playoff chase, grab some popcorn and get ready for The Decision featuring Votto over the next few weeks.
“I tell you what, after I finish playing, I will speak it,” he remarked. There will be humor and enjoyment. I will make sure the fans get the attention they deserve. I’ll give it the consideration that people who have stood by me and our group so well deserve.
“And I’m not there yet,” he remarked, grinning, lifting his hand to indicate “OK,” and making a tiny clicking sound with his lips.
“But I’m sure you’ll enjoy it,” I said.
Originally published on Cincinnati Enquirer, this articleThe Cincinnati Reds’ season is over, and everyone is focused on Joey Votto’s future.