Joey Votto Has Received Multiple Media Offers, But He Really Wants To Play Baseball
For many professional athletes, a career in broadcasting is a logical next step once the playing days are over. But Joey Votto isn't ready to hang up the cleats just yet.
In an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show Friday, the longtime Cincinnati Reds first baseman revealed he's already received multiple media offers. But he's still waiting on the phone call he really wants: the one from an MLB team offering him a contract.
"Just chatter. Just talk," Votto said. "No firm offer yet."
Votto spent all 17 of his MLB seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, and he's a beloved figure in the Queen City. The six-time All-Star is top-five all-time in Reds franchise history in home runs, RBIs, runs, OPS, walks and hits, among other categories.
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But the Reds declined Votto's $20 million option for 2024 — opting instead for a $7 million buyout. Now, the 40-year-old is a free agent for the first time in his career. And morale is in the gutter.
"Low; it’s as low as it gets," Votto told Patrick. "I just don’t see it getting any better. But, I’m on the show, and I’m here to hock my wares. I’m hopeful that a Dan Patrick push will get me a job, so here I am."
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Votto appeared in 2,056 career 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.
But Votto played in just 65 games last season after missing time with a shoulder injury. And that's not how he wants to go out.
"The last couple years were crummy," he told USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale last fall. "I wasn’t healthy for two years, so I'd like to play well. It's not the taste I want to leave in my mouth."
Joey Votto wants to retire from baseball on his own terms, and who can blame him?
But with his charisma and knowledge of the game, Votto will do great as an analyst — whenever that day comes.