Joey Votto opens up about his retirement decision: ‘Writing’s on the wall’

Joey Votto opened up to reporters about his decision to retire from baseball on Thursday.

The 40-year-old first baseman said he concluded that the game had passed him by and it was time to step away from the game after 17 seasons in the big leagues.

“There was some big moments in Buffalo that I heard groans after outs,” Votto said. “When I was playing for (Triple-A) Louisville last year, groans or dissatisfaction after outs in big situations.”

Joey Votto announces retirement from baseball after incredible 17-year career

“The game is faster. I’m not fast,” he continued. “This game is about more dynamic defense. The game has changed over the course of the back quarter of my career. I’m slower. And the one thing that I could attempt to do is perform offensively. And I’ve been awful, especially for my position. So, at some point the writing’s on the wall. And… I’m good.”

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Before announcing his retirement this week, Votto spent the 2024 season in the Blue Jays’ minor league system, trying to work his way back to the top level.

Votto spent his entire MLB career with the Reds, hitting 356 career home runs with a .294/.409/.511 slash line.

On the field, he was perhaps best known for his discipline at the plate, leading the National League in OBP seven times and walking more than 1,300 times in his career.

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“I’ve become a man in this sport,” Votto said. “I’ve built so many bonds and my character has changed, and I’m just so thankful to have had the opportunity. I’m so humbled by where this game has taken me.”

Votto officially announced that he was hanging up his cleats on Wednesday in a lengthy Instagram post, showing gratitude toward his family and friends in and out of baseball for making his career possible, including former Reds teammate Jay Bruce and ex-skipper Dusty Baker.

“Toronto + Canada, I wanted to play in front of you,” he wrote. “Sigh, I tried with all my heart to play for my people. I’m just not good anymore. Thank you for all the support during my attempt. Cincinnati, I’ve only played for you. I love you. Finally, to the MLB fans. You energized me with your cheers, I loved the boos, the trash talk, the moments where I broke a road cities moment, or was humbled on stage. … was myself in this sport. I was able to be my best self. I played this sport with every last ounce of my body, heart, and mind. Thank you for everything.”

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