End of An Era: Cincinnati Reds Decline Joey Votto's Option for 2024 Season
CINCINNATI — Joey Votto is officially a free agent.
The Reds declined his team option for the 2024 season, which means the former MVP will have to continue his playing career in another uniform.
“For 17 seasons, Joey has been the heart of Reds baseball as a Most Valuable Player, All-Star and respected clubhouse leader," general manager Nick Krall said in a statement. "His contributions to our team and his extraordinary generosity toward those in need, throughout our region and beyond, cannot be measured. 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 honor him as one of the greatest baseball players of this or any generation.”
Votto appeared in 2,056 games for the Reds, finishing with 2,135 hits, 1,365 walks, 356 home runs and 1,144 RBI. He posted a .294 batting average and a .920 OPS.
The Reds had to buy out the final year of Votto's deal for $7 million. They declined the $20 million club option.
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