Joey Votto Set To Retire

Mar 8, 2014; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) stands in to bat against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

According to multiple sources Tuesday morning Cincinnati Reds first baseman has decided to retire effective immediately. A press conference has been called for 3pm Wednesday hours before the Reds will take the field for opening night at GABP.

Votto has been arguably the best first baseman in baseball over the last four season. He is regarded as the best hitter in the National League by Pete Rose.

This announcement comes as a shock to a city that loves its baseball. Votto is the face of the organization, having just signed a massive 10yr-$252M contract it is a surprise Votto would walk away from all the money.

Since coming into the league Votto has been a different kind of player. He was very shy, very private, not a player that liked being in the spotlight. Just this offseason Votto started to interact with the fans more, his weekly call ins to Lance McAlister’s show were fan favorites and gave everyone a little insight to who Joey Votto is.

There has been no reason given for his retirement only that it will presumably happen tomorrow. Perhaps he wants a little more privacy, he has enough money to retire to his home in Florida and never look back.

Who will replace Votto at first is yet to be seen. With Jack Hannahan on the DL there is a lot of speculation. What is known is this will free up a lot of money for the Reds to make a run at some big name free agents.

So remember tune in Wednesday at 3pm for the press conference. You’ll be the only one there. 4.1.2014.