Social media witness the emotional farewell of Cincinnati Reds’ iconic figure, Joey Votto, as he bids adieu to his beloved fans.
The Reds have made the decision to not exercise Joey Votto’s option for the year 2024.
For the first time in his career, Joey Votto, the 40-year-old first baseman, is now a free agent as the Cincinnati Reds have chosen not to exercise his $20 million option for the 2024 MLB season.
Votto’s poor performances in recent years with the Reds can be attributed to injuries and the aging curve impacting his performance. Nevertheless, should this mark the end for the Canadian infielder, his legacy will be firmly established among the franchise’s all-time greats, alongside the likes of Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, and Joe Morgan.
Dear fans, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude and appreciation for all the support you have shown me throughout my career. Your unwavering dedication and enthusiasm mean the world to me. I am humbled by the opportunity to represent this incredible organization and play the sport I love in front of such passionate fans like you. Your cheers and encouragement drive me to work harder and strive for greatness every day. I understand that without your continuous support, none of this would be possible. Whether it’s at the ballpark or watching from home, your commitment to this team and me does not go unnoticed. It fuels my motivation to perform at the highest level and bring success to our beloved franchise. I want you to know that I am fully committed to giving my all, both on and off the field, to bring joy and excitement to your lives.
Playing in front of such a devoted fan base is truly an honor, and I promise to always represent your passion and loyalty with the utmost respect. Thank you for being the best fans a player could ask for. I am grateful for each and every one of you. Sincerely, Joey Votto
As a token of appreciation, Votto, unable to bid farewell to fans on the field after the regular season, expressed his gratitude through a heartfelt video on social media. He extend his thanks to the loyal Reds supporters for their unwavering support throughout the years.
In the event that this happens to be my final opportunity to take the field as a member of the Cincinnati Reds, I feel compelled to express my heartfelt appreciation. Votto revealed, “Having hailed from Toronto, Canada, the moment I ventured into the US at the young age of 18, I was overwhelmed by a sense of intimidation.” After getting used to my surroundings, I eventually arrived in Cincinnati, which turned out to be yet another intimidating experience. However, it flourished and became the most incredible period of my entire existence.
Joey Votto is an exceptional baseball player.
This season, Votto’s batting average was .202 with 14 home runs and 38 runs batted in (RBIs) over a span of 65 games. It wasn’t until June 19, ten months after his left biceps and rotator cuff surgery, that he finally took part in his first game.
Votto, a six-time All-Star and recipient of the 2010 NL MVP accolade, boasts an impressive .294 batting average along with a total of 356 home runs and 1,144 RBIs.
