With an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, Joey Votto has officially retired from Major League Baseball, leaving behind a legacy that firmly establishes him among the elite in baseball history.
Votto spent his entire career with the Cincinnati Reds and was a cornerstone of the franchise. Known for his consistency and excellent eye at the plate, Votto's lifetime batting average stands at .294, with an impressive on-base percentage (OBP) of .409 and a slugging percentage of .511, translating to a remarkable 144 OPS+.
Votto's Achievements
Over his career, Votto accumulated 2,135 hits, including 459 doubles and 356 home runs. His knack for driving in runs resulted in 1,144 RBIs, and he scored 1,171 times. His contributions on the field are quantified by his 64.5 WAR (Wins Above Replacement).
Highlights from Votto's career include being named the National League MVP in 2010 and making six All-Star appearances. He led the league in on-base percentage seven times, walks five times, OPS twice, and slugging percentage once. Furthermore, he topped the league in doubles, WAR, and OPS+ once each.
Votto's Historical Rankings
In a broader historical context, Votto's career ranks him 42nd all-time in on-base percentage and 53rd in OPS. He stands 184th in plate appearances, 34th in walks, and 93rd in times on base. Among first basemen, Votto ranks 12th in JAWS (Jaffe WAR Score system), just one spot behind Miguel Cabrera and ahead of legends like Rafael Palmeiro, Willie McCovey, Todd Helton, and Eddie Murray.
Votto's statistics place him ahead of 20 Hall of Fame first basemen in JAWS, further bolstering the argument for his place in Cooperstown. One baseball writer emphasized this by stating, "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."
Postseason Performance
Votto's performance in the postseason, although not as robust as his regular season achievements, was still commendable. He posted a batting line of .244/.319/.244 in the playoffs. Notably, he hit .389 with a .500 OBP in the 2012 National League Division Series (NLDS).
Clutch Situations
When it came to clutch situations, Votto truly shined. With runners in scoring position, he hit .321/.468/.574, demonstrating his ability to deliver when it mattered most. In high-leverage situations, his slash line was .314/.438/.562. Even with two outs and runners in scoring position, he maintained a solid .265 batting average with a .458 OBP.
Looking Forward
As Votto steps away from the game, the sentiment among baseball writers and analysts is clear: his career merits serious Hall of Fame consideration. His consistency, advanced metrics, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations have earned him a place in the conversation among baseball's greats.
Votto's retirement marks the end of an era for the Cincinnati Reds and their fans, who watched him grow into one of the most respected hitters in the game. As the baseball world reflects on his contributions, there is no doubt that Joey Votto's career will be celebrated for years to come.