Reds decline Joey Votto’s 2024 option, making him a free agent
In a decision that has left fans saddened, the Cincinnati Reds have announced that they will not be exercising the club option for the revered and beloved first baseman, Joey Votto. This move makes Votto a free agent for the first time in his illustrious 17-year career with the Reds.
Nick Krall, the President of Baseball Operations for Cincinnati, provided insight into the decision to decline the $20 million option in a statement. He explained that, given the current roster and the team’s projected plans for the 2024 season, the organization was unable to commit to the playing time that Votto deserves.
Krall acknowledged Votto’s immense contributions to Reds baseball over the past 17 seasons, emphasizing that his impact on the team and the community goes beyond measurements and statistics. Votto has been the heart of the franchise, and his presence will forever be cherished. Krall expressed the team’s intention to properly honor and thank Votto, recognizing him as one of the greatest baseball players of this generation or any generation.
While this decision marks a significant change in Votto’s journey with the Reds, he will always hold a special place in the organization’s family and in the hearts of the fans. The news has undoubtedly left a void in the team, but the Reds remain grateful for Votto’s remarkable contributions and the immeasurable impact he has made throughout his tenure in Cincinnati.
Joey Votto, who was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 2002, made his highly anticipated debut in the major leagues in 2007. Prior to his debut, Votto honed his skills in the minor leagues, spending notable time with the Dayton Dragons. Over the 2003 and 2004 seasons, he showcased his talent in 171 games while also making occasional appearances with the team for injury rehab assignments.
As a 40-year-old veteran, Votto boasts an impressive career resume, having been named an All-Star six times and earning the prestigious title of National League Most Valuable Player in 2010. Despite his age, Votto has expressed his intention to continue playing for at least another year, as he plans to extend his baseball journey.
As part of the decision to decline the 2024 club option for Votto, the Cincinnati Reds will provide him with a $7 million contract buyout. This move signifies a significant turning point in Votto’s longstanding relationship with the Reds organization.
In addition to Votto, the team also declined the 2024 club option on catcher Curt Casali, further indicating the changes taking place within the Cincinnati Reds roster.
Joey Votto out as Cincinnati Reds decline 2024 option on franchise icon’s contract
Wherever the Cincinnati Reds’ youth movement takes them in 2024, they’ll get there without Joey Votto.
The Reds declined the franchise icon’s $20 million contract option for next season, making Votto a free agent and ending a 22-year relationship with the six-time All-Star and 2010 MVP with a Saturday morning announcement minutes ahead of the day’s first college football kickoffs.
They elect instead to pay the $7 million buyout on the franchise-record 10-year, $225 million contract.
“For 17 seasons, Joey has been the heart of Reds baseball as a Most Valuable Player, All-Star and respected clubhouse leader,” team president Nick Krall said in a statement released with Saturday’s announcement. “His contributions to our team and his extraordinary generosity toward those in need, throughout our region and beyond, cannot be measured.
“At this point of the off-season, based on our current roster and projected plans for 2024, as an organization we cannot commit to the playing time Joey deserves. He forever will be part of the Reds’ family, and at the appropriate time we will thank and honor him as one of the greatest baseball players of this or any generation.”
‘I could have soaked that in forever’: Joey Votto emotional after standing ovation
Joey Votto acknowledges the crowd during the Reds’ final home game of 2023.
Joey Votto spent entire MLB career with Cincinnati Reds
Votto, who returned this season from a 10-month shoulder injury, said early last month he wanted to play next season.
His hometown Toronto Blue Jays could be a possible destination after the retirement of left-handed first baseman/designated hitter Brandon Belt following the season.
Only four other players have spent their entire careers, for that many seasons, with the Reds: Dave Concepcion (19 seasons), Barry Larkin (19), Bid McPhee (18) and Johnny Bench (17).
“Being from the area, he’s the first player who comes to mind as somebody who’s represented the franchise throughout my life,” said Reds catcher Luke Maile, who graduated from Covington Catholic two years after Votto debuted with the Reds.
Reds Manager Dusty Baker (12) congratulates first baseman Joey Votto (19) after Votto hit a two-run homer to left field against Cleveland on May 27 2013.
Votto, a second-round draft pick of the Reds in 2002 out of Toronto, a few months after teammate Elly De La Cruz was born, was part of four Reds playoff teams during his career.
After returning from the injury this season, he hit .202 with 14 homers — including 13 in his first 39 games back — and a .747 OPS.
He later spent another two weeks on the injured list to strengthen the shoulder and returned to hit his final home run as a Red on his 40th birthday, Sept. 10.
Cincinnati Reds: Joey Votto and the city of Cincinnati say ‘Thank you’ in a potential goodbye
Apr 12, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) is interviewed after defeating the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Where does Joey Votto rank on Cincinnati Reds career leaderboards?
On the Reds career leaderboards, the franchise’s all-time leader in walks (1,365) also ranks:
Second to Joe Morgan (.415) in on-base percentage at .409.
Second to Pete Rose (4,645) in total bases at 3,706.
Second to Johnny Bench (389) in home runs at 356.
Second to Frank Robinson (.943) in OPS at .920.
Fourth in WAR (baseball-reference.com) at 64.4, behind Rose, Bench and Larkin.
Sixth in slugging at .511, behind Robinson, Adam Dunn, George Foster, Ken Griffey Jr. and Ted Kluszewski.
Sixth in games, with 2,056, behind Rose, Concepcion, Larkin, Bench and McPhee.
Also fifth in plate appearances (8,746), fifth in hits (2,135), fourth in runs (1,171), third in RBIs (1,144).
And perhaps first in the hearts of teammates.
The Reds influx of youth last season had Votto taking a mentoring role with the rookies gravitating to him for advice and leadership.
‘He brings a lot of value to this team. And this clubhouse’: Votto’s influence on Cincinnati Reds teammates
Young Cincinnati Reds players, including infielders Jonathan India and Matt McLain, as well as starting pitcher Hunter Greene, have shared stories about Joey Votto’s significant influence behind the scenes. Votto’s presence played a crucial role in the team’s contention for a playoff spot until the penultimate game of the season.
Greene, the only player under contract for the next year, emphasized Votto’s value to the team and clubhouse. McLain echoed the sentiment, expressing his desire to have Votto back on the team.
Throughout his career, Votto’s impact on the Reds’ bottom line has been evident. From his early years as a promising All-Star and MVP to 2023, when his replica jerseys ranked 13th in sales across the majors, Votto has consistently been a driving force in generating revenue for the organization. This was despite his initial absence due to shoulder surgery, which kept him on the injured list for the first 11 weeks of the season.
Karen Forgus, the Reds’ senior vice-president for business operations, acknowledged the economic significance of Votto’s presence. She emphasized that his departure would result in tangible changes, including the loss of a crucial part of the team’s brand. The absence of Votto would have implications such as the inability to offer Votto City Connect jerseys, which have been a popular item among fans. Losing Votto would diminish the team’s ability to provide a compelling reason for people to attend games at the ballpark.
Overall, Votto’s impact on the Reds extends beyond his on-field performance. His influence on younger players, his economic value, and his role in shaping the team’s brand make him an integral part of the organization.
In a memorable moment at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, fans erupted in applause as Joey Votto, the first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, achieved a significant milestone in his career. With a powerful hit in the ninth inning, Votto secured his 1000th base hit, a remarkable accomplishment.
Despite the Reds’ 8-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the game, the crowd’s attention shifted to Votto as he reached this impressive milestone. The fans recognized the significance of the moment and demonstrated their appreciation with a resounding ovation for the accomplished first baseman.
Votto’s achievement further solidifies his place in baseball history and highlights his consistent performance and longevity in the game. As one of the most esteemed players in the Reds’ franchise history, Votto’s 1000th base hit serves as a testament to his skill, dedication, and impact on the team over the years.
While the game itself may not have ended in the Reds’ favor, the milestone reached by Votto provided a memorable highlight and a reminder of his remarkable contributions to the sport. The fans’ applause reverberated throughout Great American Ball Park, acknowledging Votto’s achievement and celebrating his ongoing success as a key figure in the Cincinnati Reds organization.
Votto’s impact reaches beyond Cincinnati
In his remarkable 17-year tenure with the Cincinnati Reds, Joey Votto’s impact has transcended the boundaries of the team’s fan base and clubhouse, earning him widespread esteem and recognition.
Hall of Fame-bound hitter Miguel Cabrera, who faced Votto on numerous occasions throughout his career, spoke highly of him in September, emphasizing not only his exceptional skills as a baseball player but also his outstanding character. Cabrera expressed his admiration for Votto and his deep respect for him, considering him a great human being.
Cabrera, who had announced his retirement prior to the start of the 2023 season, seemed to view the Reds’ decision on Votto’s contract as a straightforward one once Votto expressed his desire to continue playing in the upcoming season. Cabrera expressed his hope that the Reds would allow Votto to play if he wished to do so, acknowledging the immense contributions Votto has made to Cincinnati and its community over the years. Cabrera emphasized the need for people to appreciate Votto’s significant impact on the city throughout his tenure with the Reds.
As a result of the Cincinnati Reds declining Joey Votto’s option, the beloved franchise icon is now a free agent, sparking interest and speculation across the baseball community.