What Happened to Joseph Daniel Votto?
Joey Votto, a six-time MLB All-Star and former National League MVP, officially retired from professional baseball in August 2024 after a distinguished 17-year career primarily with the Cincinnati Reds. Following his retirement, Votto transitioned into broadcasting, joining NBC Sports as an MLB analyst for the 2026 season, making his debut on 'Sunday Night Baseball' on July 26, 2026.
Quick Answer
Joey Votto officially retired from Major League Baseball on August 21, 2024, after an attempt to play for his hometown Toronto Blue Jays was cut short by an ankle injury. He spent his entire 17-year MLB career with the Cincinnati Reds, earning an NL MVP award and six All-Star selections. As of July 26, 2026, Votto has embarked on a new career in sports broadcasting, making his debut as an analyst for NBC's 'Sunday Night Baseball' today.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Drafted by Cincinnati Reds
Joey Votto was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the second round of the MLB draft.
MLB Debut
Votto made his Major League Baseball debut with the Cincinnati Reds.
Wins NL MVP Award
Joey Votto was named the National League Most Valuable Player after a stellar season where he hit .324 with 37 home runs and 113 RBIs.
Awarded Gold Glove
Votto earned his first and only Gold Glove Award for his defensive play at first base.
Signs 10-year, $225 Million Extension
Votto signed a massive 10-year contract extension with the Cincinnati Reds, solidifying his long-term future with the team.
Home Run Streak Reaches Seven Games
Votto hit a home run in his seventh consecutive game, setting a new Reds franchise record.
Undergoes Shoulder Surgery
Votto underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and biceps in his left shoulder.
Last MLB Appearance with Reds
Votto played his final game for the Cincinnati Reds, concluding his 17-year tenure with the team.
Reds Decline 2024 Option
The Cincinnati Reds declined Joey Votto's $20 million club option for the 2024 season, making him a free agent with a $7 million buyout.
Signs Minor League Deal with Blue Jays
Votto signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, his hometown team, with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.
Announces Retirement from Baseball
After an ankle injury derailed his attempt to make the Blue Jays roster, Joey Votto officially announced his retirement from professional baseball via Instagram.
Joins NBC Sports as MLB Analyst
NBC Sports announced that Joey Votto, along with Clayton Kershaw and Anthony Rizzo, would join their MLB broadcast team for the 2026 season.
Debut as 'Sunday Night Baseball' Analyst
Joey Votto makes his debut as an analyst for NBC's 'Sunday Night Baseball' broadcast, covering the Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Yankees game.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Joey Votto concluded a storied 17-year Major League Baseball career, predominantly as the face of the Cincinnati Reds franchise. Drafted by the Reds in 2002, Votto made his MLB debut in 2007 and quickly established himself as one of the league's premier first basemen, renowned for his exceptional plate discipline and high on-base percentage. His career pinnacle came in 2010 when he won the National League Most Valuable Player Award, batting .324 with 37 home runs and 113 RBIs.
Throughout his tenure with the Reds (2007-2023), Votto amassed 2,135 hits, 356 home runs, and 1,144 RBIs, securing six All-Star selections and a Gold Glove Award in 2011. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in walks and on-base percentage, leading the NL in the latter seven times. Despite his individual brilliance, team success, particularly in the postseason, remained elusive for much of his career.
The latter part of his career was marked by injuries, including shoulder surgery in 2022, which limited his playing time and effectiveness. After the 2023 season, the Reds declined his $20 million club option for 2024, opting for a $7 million buyout, making him a free agent. In a bid to continue his playing career and fulfill a childhood dream, Votto signed a minor league contract with his hometown Toronto Blue Jays in spring 2024. However, an ankle injury sustained during spring training sidelined him, and after a brief stint in Triple-A, he announced his official retirement on August 21, 2024.
Following his retirement, Votto's charismatic personality and deep understanding of the game made him a natural fit for broadcasting. In February 2026, it was announced that Votto, alongside fellow recently retired stars Clayton Kershaw and Anthony Rizzo, would join NBC Sports' expanded MLB coverage for the 2026 season. As of July 26, 2026, Joey Votto is making his debut as an analyst for NBC's 'Sunday Night Baseball' broadcast, covering the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees. He is enjoying his retirement from playing and is seen as a rising television star, also having made appearances on MLB Network.
Votto's legacy as one of the most disciplined and productive hitters of his generation is secure, and he is slated for Hall of Fame eligibility in 2029. His transition to media allows him to remain connected to the sport, offering his unique insights to a national audience.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Joseph Daniel Votto made different choices?