Joey Votto Retires: A Career Marked by Consistency, Excellence, and Hall of Fame Worthiness
Joey Votto, a stalwart for the Cincinnati Reds, officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Wednesday, capping off a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades. Votto’s tenure with the Reds saw him ascend to the top echelons of baseball, leaving behind a legacy that will be examined by baseball aficionados and Hall of Fame voters alike.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Votto compiled an impressive batting line of .294/.409/.511, resulting in a 144 OPS+. This level of production cemented his status as one of the most consistent and dangerous hitters in the game. In 2010, Votto’s excellence on the field was recognized when he was named the National League MVP, an accolade that highlighted his pivotal role within the Reds’ lineup.
Votto’s accomplishments are manifold. He made six All-Star appearances, amassed 2,135 hits, including 459 doubles and 356 home runs, and drove in 1,144 runs while scoring 1,171 times. His overall contribution to the team is perhaps best reflected in his 64.5 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), a metric that underscores his all-around impact on the field.
During his career, Votto was a master of plate discipline and offensive efficiency, leading the league in on-base percentage seven times and in walks five times. Furthermore, he topped the league in OPS twice and slugging percentage once, demonstrating his prowess in multiple offensive categories. Votto even led the league in doubles, WAR, and OPS+ on separate occasions.
When compared to the game’s history, Votto's standing among the greats becomes even more evident. He ranks 42nd all-time in on-base percentage (OBP), 53rd in OPS, and 184th in plate appearances. Additionally, his 34th place ranking in walks and 93rd in times on base further highlight his consistency and longevity.
Among first basemen, Votto's rank in the JAWS (Jaffe WAR Score system) places him 12th, just one spot behind the legendary Miguel Cabrera. This ranking sees Votto ahead of notable names such as Rafael Palmeiro, Willie McCovey, Todd Helton, and Eddie Murray, positioning him ahead of 20 Hall of Fame first basemen.
Votto's postseason performances offered a mix of highlights and challenges. His playoff batting line stood at .244/.319/.244, but he shone brightly in the 2012 National League Division Series (NLDS), hitting .389 with a .500 OBP. His stellar performances with runners in scoring positions where he hit .321/.468/.574, and in high-leverage situations with a slash line of .314/.438/.562, underscored his clutch capabilities. Notably, in two-out, runners-in-scoring-position scenarios, Votto posted a .265 average with a .458 OBP.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the sentiment among baseball writers and analysts is that Votto’s career is deserving of Hall of Fame consideration. One writer, newly eligible to vote for the Hall of Fame, remarked, "I'm a voter for the first time this year and I can very firmly say I'm going to be a Votto voter when the time comes." This quote encapsulates the regard in which Votto is held by those who followed his career closely.
Votto’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Cincinnati Reds and their fans. His contributions to the team and the game of baseball will be remembered not just for the raw numbers, but for the competitive spirit, dedication, and professionalism he brought to the field day in and day out. As the Hall of Fame discussions inevitably commence, Joey Votto’s legacy provides a compelling case for induction, standing as a testament to a career characterized by excellence and unwavering commitment.