Fans paid tribute to Joey Votto as his 17-year run with the Cincinnati Reds officially ended
Perhaps the greatest baseball player to ever wear a Cincinnati Reds uniform might be headed elsewhere next season.
Barring him being re-signed by the team, the Reds announced on Saturday that they will decline the club option on first baseman Joey Votto to send him into free agency.
Votto has played all of his 17 years in the MLB with Cincinnati since entering the league in 2007, and he has been selected to six MLB All-Star games while playing for the Reds.
He also earned the National League’s MVP honor and Hank Aaron Award in 2010 and a Golden Glove award in 2011.
Now, the 40-year-old veteran will be available to sign with a new team should he choose to continue his career.
The #Reds today declined the 2024 club option on the contract of 1B Joey Votto. pic.twitter.com/ACika5Oum7
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) November 4, 2023
Baseball fans, particularly those with a rooting interest for the Reds, were devastated to see Votto’s time in Cincinnati end like this.
There were also plenty of good vibes sent Votto’s way, from those confirming his clear Hall of Fame credentials to those who wish for him to get a chance at a World Series before retirement with a new team.