Joey Votto, former National League MVP, announces retirement from Major League Baseball

Former Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto has announced his retirement from baseball. Sadiq’s Instagram post on Wednesday.

Votto, 40, has not pitched in Major League Baseball since 2023, his final season with the Reds. He was traded to his hometown Toronto Blue Jays this season, but never made it to the major league roster.

A six-time National League Most Valuable Player, once National League MVP, and once League Most Valuable Player, Votto was one of the most consistent performers in the sport throughout his prime. He had a career batting average of .294, an OPS of .920, and hit 356 home runs in 2,056 career games.

He played 17 seasons in the professional league, all with Cincinnati, and became one of the greatest players in the club’s history.

In a message to his family, friends and everyone who has been part of his career, Foto said, “Thank you.”

“Toronto + Canada, I wanted to play for you. Oh, I tried with all my heart to play for my people. I’m no longer good. Thank you for all the support during my attempt,” Votto said in his statement to the city of Toronto and its fans.

“Cincinnati, I played just for you,” he said, addressing the city where he spent nearly two decades. “I love you.”

“Finally, to the Major League Baseball fans. You gave me energy with your cheering, I loved the boos, the trash talk, the moments when I broke a city moment on the road, or felt humbled on the stage. I will never forget, early in my career, the first time at Wrigley Field and the crowd that stood up and cheered me after I failed. I remember standing at the plate smiling and thinking, This is my home. I belong here. I was me in this sport. I was able to do my best. I played this sport with every ounce of my body, heart and mind. Thank you for everything.”

Votto, one of the greatest players of all time in baseball, is retiring as the Reds’ second-leading hitter of all time, behind Johnny Bench’s 389. He is fifth all-time in team history with 2,135 hits and third in runs scored with 1,144.