Votto plans to play ‘at least 1 more year,’ hopes for Reds return

Joey Votto isn’t ready to hang up his cleats just yet.

“I want to play again. At least one more year,” the Cincinnati Reds first baseman said Friday on the “Dan Patrick Show.”

The 40-year-old said his preference is to continue playing with the Reds, but he’d consider suiting up elsewhere if Cincinnati wanted to move on. The Reds have a $20-million team option with a $7-million buyout on Votto’s contract for next season.

Votto has spent all 17 of his big-league seasons with the Reds after they selected him in the second round of the 2002 draft. He received a resounding applause from Great American Ball Park during what some thought would be his final home game at the end of the season.

In what could be his final home game, Cincinnati shows appreciation for @Reds legend @JoeyVotto. 👏 pic.twitter.com/FNCSipjWnt

— MLB (@MLB) September 24, 2023

Votto has appeared in six All-Star Games and won the 2010 National League MVP. He’s gotten on base at a .409 clip and slugged .511 in 2,056 career games.

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