Two thousand games for one team. That’s what Joey Votto accomplished with the Cincinnati Reds.
Only five other active players have played a thousand games for the same team. And only two players have reached two thousand in the last thirty years: Derek Jeter and Chipper Jones.
Votto’s feat is therefore even more remarkable. However, uncertainty hangs over the future of the Canadian player.
On the one hand, he could retire as a member of the Reds. But on the other hand, he might have the opportunity to go to another team, maybe a champion team, to write a final chapter.
A difficult decision is therefore on the horizon. Unless an event comes to facilitate things for the principal concerned. And Votto is well aware of this.
The jackpot for me is winning a championship with the Reds this year. It’s a strange feeling. I’m a bit of a type, I don’t mean old school, but my favorite baseball players, Ted Williams, Cal Ripken, Derek Jeter, are guys who stayed with a team. I have real admiration for these guys.
We can therefore expect the 2023 season to be the last of his career, as it would be surprising if the Reds took the option in his contract which would see him return to the red uniform next year. And Votto abounds in this direction.
The idea of going with another organization to win a championship is not appealing. First of all, championships are not guaranteed. You know, we were the first place team that was beaten by the Giants who went on to win the World Series in 2012. So I don’t like that.
Imagine the scenario: back from a serious shoulder injury, at age 40, after 17 seasons, over 2,000 games, over 2,100 hits, an MVP title, four All-Star Game appearances, Votto retire with the big trophy in your hands!
We can only wish him.
