Cincinnati Reds Decline $20M Option for Joey Votto, Ending 17-Year Run
In a surprising move, the Cincinnati Reds have declined Joey Votto’s $20 million option for the 2024 season, effectively making the first baseman a free agent and potentially concluding his illustrious 17-year tenure with the team.
As a result, Votto will receive a $7 million buyout, marking the completion of a monumental 12-season contract that guaranteed him a staggering $251.5 million throughout his tenure with the Reds. This decision by the organization also comes hand in hand with the declining of a $4 million mutual option with catcher Curt Casali, who will now receive a $750,000 buyout.
Explaining the decision, general manager Nick Krall stated, At this point of the offseason, 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.
The 40-year-old Votto had a challenging season, batting only .202 with 14 home runs and 38 RBIs in 65 games. Additionally, his season debut was delayed until June 19 due to surgery on his left biceps and rotator cuff, which took place exactly 10 months prior.
Throughout his career, Votto has been a force to be reckoned with, earning six All-Star appearances and being awarded the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) title in 2010. With a career batting average of .294, alongside an impressive 356 home runs and 1,144 RBIs, Votto has left an indelible mark on the sport.
As for Curt Casali, who joined the Reds for his first season, his performance was lackluster, hitting just .175 with six RBIs over 50 games. However, the 34-year-old veteran brings a wealth of experience from his decade-long presence in the Big Leagues.
With Votto’s departure, the Reds will undoubtedly feel the loss of a true baseball legend. Nevertheless, the team is now presented with the opportunity to redefine its future and regroup with new talent. As for Votto, it remains to be seen where he will continue his career, but one thing is for certain: his contributions to the Reds will be forever cherished, and he will forever be remembered as one of the game’s greatest players.
