Longtime Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto admitted that he might have to begin the season on the injured list. The club plans on deferring to Votto’s judgment as Opening Day approaches and could wait it out right up until rosters are due on Thursday morning.
Votto, 39, is coming off the worst season of his career. He slashed just .205/.319/.370 in 91 games last summer before August surgeries to repair his rotator cuff and bicep cut short his campaign. Despite his wilderness showing last year, the future Hall of Famer remains confident he can return to form upcoming.
“I’ve done really well with my offensive work,” Votto told reporters. “I mean this, seriously, I think I’m going to play well. I think I’m going to perform well offensively. If not, I’m going to retire. End of story.”
It’s worth noting that Votto's performance in 2023 will likely play a major role in any decision he makes for the future. Setting aside the on-field performance, should Votto decide to continue playing past the summer, the Reds hold a $20M club option for the 2024 season, as well as a $7M buyout.
Despite his struggles in 2022, one needs to only look back to the 2021 campaign for proof of Votto’s impact when healthy and effective; even during that age-37 season, Votto slashed .266/.375/.563 with 36 home runs. His overall body of work was good for a wRC+ of 139 and he received multiple MVP votes, ultimately finishing just two points behind winner Giancarlo Stanton in MVP balloting. Votto had previously not received MVP consideration since the 2017 campaign.
The veteran first baseman does not planning on rushing himself just to make Opening Day, noting that it’s his “responsibility” to be fully ready for the season before joining the team and returning to the lineup on a daily basis. Should Votto miss time, lefty infielder Jason Vosler seems poised to make the team in his stead, with Wil Myers, and Tyler Stephenson also in line for a probable bump in at-bats.
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