November 4, 2023

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

The Cincinnati Reds have declined Joey Votto’s $20-million option for the 2024 season, a move that most likely ends the slugger’s 17-season tenure with the club.

The Reds will pay Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) a $7-million buyout. The Canadian first baseman is now a free agent and says he “still wants to play” next season.

"For 17 seasons, Joey has been the heart of Reds baseball as a Most Valuable Player, All-Star and respected clubhouse leader. His contributions to our team and his extraordinary generosity toward those in need, throughout our region and beyond cannot be measured,” said Reds general manager Nick Krall in a statement on Saturday.

"At this point of the off-season, based on our current roster and projected plans for 2024, as an organization we cannot commit to the playing time Joey deserves. He forever will be part of the Reds' family, and at the appropriate time we will thank and honour him as one of the greatest baseball players of this or any generation."

Votto, who recently turned 40, batted .202 with 14 homers in 65 games for the Reds this season after returning from shoulder surgery.

He told reporters he wasn’t upset with the Reds’ announcement.

"As far as any sort of dissatisfaction or any slights, man, that's just noise,” Votto told reporters. “This has been the best."

Votto also thanked fans in a video he released on social media on Sunday.

Votto ranks among the Reds’ all-time leaders in most offensive categories, including second in total bases (3,706), home runs (356), doubles (459), on-base percentage (.409) and OPS (.920).

A seven-time winner of the Tip O’Neill Award winner, presented to the top Canuck player each year by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, Votto has 2,135 major league hits, which leaves him just 25 behind Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, B.C.) for most by a Canadian. His 459 doubles are 12 behind Walker and his 356 home runs leave him 27 behind Walker.

Votto already owns Canadian major league records for most games (2,056), plate appearances (8,746), walks (1,365), All-Star Game selections (6) and on-base percentage (.409).