The Cincinnati Reds have parted ways with Joey Votto, 40.

The Reds announced on Friday that they have declined Votto’s team option ($20 million) for the 2024 season.레모나토토 주소

Votto greets fans during the final home game of the regular season. Photo via AFPBBNews = News1
Votto’s association with Cincinnati began when the Reds selected him in the second round of the 2002 draft.

He made his big league debut in 2007 and went on to play 17 seasons, batting .294 with a .409 on-base percentage and .511 slugging percentage in 2,056 games.

He was named the National League MVP in 2010 and is a six-time All-Star and one-time Gold Glove winner.

In 2023, the final year of his 10-year, $225 million contract, he was limited to 65 games due to injury. He batted .202 with a .314 on-base percentage, .433 slugging percentage, 14 home runs and 38 RBIs.

“For the past 17 seasons, Votto has been the heart of our organization as an MVP, All-Star, and respected clubhouse leader. His contributions to the team and generosity to those in need have been immeasurable,” said Nick Kroll, President of Baseball Operations.

“Given our current roster and our plans for the 2024 season, we concluded that we could not give him the playing time he deserved,” he said, explaining why the team chose to part ways.

Cincinnati is expected to turn to Spencer Steer, a 2023 draft pick, for the starting first base job.