The Reds have opted not to exercise Joey Votto’s $20 million option for the 2024 season, marking the first baseman’s transition into free agency and likely concluding his 17-season tenure with Cincinnati. Votto will receive a $7 million buyout, finalizing a contract that guaranteed him $251.5 million over 12 seasons.
General manager Nick Krall emphasized that the decision was not a financial one but rather driven by the current roster dynamics. Krall mentioned the need to create playing time for other players on the team, stating, “We’re not closing the door on anything. I just think with the players we have on our roster right now, there’s no playing time. We’ve got to figure out how to get playing time for some of these players to keep moving forward, and I think that’s where we are right now. Something could happen, but right now it’s not there.”
The Reds also declined their part of a $4 million mutual option with catcher Curt Casali, who will receive a $750,000 buyout. Krall, in a conference call, mentioned that Votto was informed of the decision while in Spain and clarified that there was no discussion of a new deal. Votto, at 40, had a challenging season, hitting .202 with 14 homers and 38 RBIs in 65 games. He returned to play on June 19, 10 months after undergoing surgery on his left biceps and rotator cuff.
A six-time All-Star and the 2010 NL MVP, Votto has compiled a career average of .294 with 356 home runs and 1,144 RBIs. Krall acknowledged that the Reds are not ready to commit to Christian Encarnacion-Strand or Spencer Steer at third base. Casali, a 10-year big league veteran, struggled in his first season with the Reds, batting .175 with six RBIs in 50 games.
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