The Reds announced they have declined the 2024 club option on first baseman Joey Votto, making the veteran a free agent for the first time in his career. Instead of bringing Votto back next season for $20 million, Cincinnati instead will pay a $7 million buyout.
“At this point in the offseason, based on our current roster and projected plans for 2024, as an organization we cannot commit to the playing time Joey deserves,” general manager Nick Krall said in a statement.
Votto was drafted by Cincinnati in 2002 and has been with the Reds organization for his entire career. After making his major league debut in 2007, Votto became the face of the Reds, winning the NL MVP award in 2010 and hitting 356 home runs in 2,056 career games.
