Why did Joey Votto retire from baseball? Reds legend explains reason behind his sudden decision
Joey Votto believes he no longer can perform on a baseball field, as he called time on his decorated career on Wednesday. The former first baseman feels his body can no longer cope with the demands of the game, which led him to decide to hang his boots in the middle of the season.
Regarded as one of the finest hitters of his generation, Votto is one of the rare modern-era players to spend his entire MLB career with one team. He played 17 seasons for the Cincinnati Reds, collecting six All-Star selections, and was named the National League MVP in 2010. Votto batted .294/.409/.511 with 356 home runs and an OPS of .920.
The 40-year-old became a free agent following the end of a 12-year, $251.5 million extension with the Reds last year. He signed a minor league contract for 2024 with his hometown team, the Toronto Blue Jays, which included an invitation to spring training. He later played 15 games for the Buffalo Bisons in Triple-A but failed to stay healthy and struggled with the bat when he was able to take the field.
On Wednesday, Votto discussed the reasons behind his retirement.
"The game is faster. I'm not fast. This game is about more dynamic defense," Votto said. "The game has changed over the back quarter of my career. I'm slow, and the one thing I can attempt to do is perform offensively. And I've been awful, especially for my position. So, at some point, the writing is on the wall."
"There is no tactics involved [in baseball]," he continued. "Limited tactics involved, and physical [ability] trumps everything. But physical [ability] is not there for me [anymore]."
Votto drew parallels with UFC fighters, contemplating about the timing of his retirement. He said:
I'm a big fan of the UFC, and I watch fighters that retired at the right time or stayed too long. I hear the commentary, then I just think I want to make sure I retire at the right time. Maybe I did, maybe I didn't."
Despite a somewhat tame end to an excellent career, Joey Votto will go down as one of the most disciplined hitters of the current era. He earned 1365 walks in the MLB, which was the most among active players until his retirement.
Joey Votto reflects on the impact of baseball on his life
During the interview, Joey Votto also expressed his gratitude for baseball and having the chance to play at the highest level. Votto also credited the people who are connected with the game for playing a massive role in the success he enjoyed in his career.
"This sport changed my life," Votto said. "I've become a man in this sport. I've built so many bonds, and my character has changed. I'm just so thankful to have had the opportunity.
I'm so humbled by where the game has taken me. I've done my part, of course. But the majority of it has been carried by the sport, the fans, the staff, and everyone involved in the game," he added.
Although Joey Votto will go down in history as a Cincinnati Reds legend, he was also quite popular among fans from other teams for his candid and jovial personality.