Joey Votto Declares He's Not Finished in MLB Amid Retirement Buzz

Former Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto is clamoring to return to the field, in yet another indication that he has no plans to retire.

The Reds and Votto parted ways this offseason after 17 seasons with the franchise. 

“I’m just sitting here jealous,” the 40-year-old Votto said during Thursday’s spring training broadcast between the Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves. “As the weather turns and the days get longer and people get excited to be outside. You know, we have a game that is outside. It’s a party. It’s sunny, green grass. It’s like a big barbecue, and I just miss it, I miss it so much.”

Joey Votto hit just .202 last season, in his 17th and final year with the franchise.

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While Votto said he and his agent have been making progress with teams on a potential return for an 18th major league season, it remains to be seen if he will ultimately return to the playing field again. However, he is determined to play in the major leagues again.

“I’ll be back. Not too long.”

Votto, who is a career .294 hitter, has hit just .205 and .202 in the last two seasons, as he moves further and further away from his prime. He has not made an all-star game since the 2018 season.

Still, Votto could provide veteran leadership in the locker room and a presence in the lineup off the bench, especially if he’s able to improve his batting average. 

After all, he did hit .266 in 2021, so he isn’t too far removed from being able to contribute in the middle of the lineup.