Joey Votto has been one of the Cincinnati Reds greatest players and a fan favourite. In 16 seasons as a Red, Votto has a career batting average of .297 with 342 home runs, 1,106 RBI, and an OPS of .926. He’s been to the all-star game six times and has also won one MVP award. However, Votto is past his prime and has suffered many injuries and hasn’t played in at least 140 games since 2019. He has yet to appear in a game this season and that timeline whether he plays in 2023 remains unknown. With Spencer Steer proving to be a capable first baseman and the Reds rebuilding, Votto deserves an opportunity to win a World Series title. I believe the Reds should say goodbye to Joey Votto.
The Emergence Of Spencer Steer
In Votto’s absence, Spencer Steer has been able to get an extended look in the field. He has shown that he is more than capable of being the everyday first baseman. So far this season, the 25-year-old Steer is hitting .285 with six home runs, 23 RBI, and has an OPS of .831. With how productive Steer has been, he is will be a part of the Reds future plans. This now makes the 38-year-old Votto expendable.
The “keep Joey Votto a Red forever” person will argue that Steer can play other positions to keep him around. While Steer is versatile and has appeared in 21 games at third base this season, he has seen most of his playing time at first base. Steer has made 28 appearances at first base in 2023. The Reds clearly want him to be their primary first baseman both in the present and future. In the Reds farm system, their top four prospects can play either shortstop, third base, or both. The Reds envision prospects like Elly De La Cruz and Christian Encarnacion-Strand playing shortstop or third base.
The Reds Have Never Been Consistent While Votto Has Been There
Unfortunately, the Reds only went to the postseason four times during his 16-year career. They never won a playoff series during those four trips to the postseason. Given the current state of the Reds, they won’t be making a trip back to the postseason any time soon. Joey Votto is 38 and won’t be a part of those possibly contending teams. If the Reds want to do right by their longtime star, they’ll trade him to a contender. Given what Votto has given to the Reds and the city of Cincinnati, Votto has earned the opportunity to play for a championship.
Ending His Career In His Home Country While Also Playing For A Championship
Joey Votto is originally from Toronto. How cool would it be for him to end his career in his home country? The Toronto Blue Jays are a playoff contender and would be a perfect destination for Votto. While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is firmly entrenched as Toronto’s everyday first baseman, Votto wouldn’t have to play every day. He could play whenever Guerrero Jr. needs a day off and could also just be the Blue Jays designated hitter. Votto would be able to end his career where it began in Canada and play for a championship. The situation is too good for the Reds to pass up.
A Tough Decision
No Reds player since Pete Rose has left his mark on the city quite like Joey Votto has been able to do. Reds fans will be able to look back fondly on Votto’s time with the Reds forever. The Reds would be doing the right thing by moving forward with their rebuild and allowing Votto to chase a ring. While the decision will most likely be emotional for both sides, doing the right thing is sometimes difficult. However, both sides have everything to gain with this deal.
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