CINCINNATI - Joey Votto's illustrious tenure as a Cincinnati Red has come to an end, as the team announced on Saturday that they have declined the $20 million option on the first baseman's contract. Following a $7 million buyout, Votto is now a free agent for the first time since June 4, 2002.

The 40-year-old Votto, who has expressed his desire to play for at least one more season, may still return to the Reds. However, if he were to do so, he would find himself playing in a part-time role, a situation he hasn't encountered since his early years in 2008 when he was a backup to veteran first baseman Scott Hatteberg.

"Joey has been the heart of Reds baseball for 17 seasons as a Most Valuable Player, All-Star, and respected clubhouse leader. His contributions to our team and his extraordinary generosity toward the community cannot be measured," stated Reds president of baseball operations, Nick Krall. "Based on our current roster and projected plans for 2024, we cannot commit to the playing time Joey deserves. He will forever be part of the Reds' family, and we will thank and honor him as one of the greatest baseball players of this or any generation."

Votto, however, remains confident that he can be a full-time player and is actively seeking a team where he can fulfill that role. With the Reds boasting a surplus of infielders and designated hitters, the race for first base is now open for players such as Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Tyler Stephenson, and Jonathan India. However, all four of these candidates bat right-handed, leaving Nick Martini as the team's sole left-handed option at first base.

Should Votto be willing to embrace a part-time role, a roster spot could potentially be available for him. In the 2023 season, Votto played in 65 games, posting a batting line of .202/.314/.433 with 14 home runs, earning a 99 OPS+. Interestingly, he fared significantly better in limited at-bats against left-handed pitchers, with a 142 OPS+ in 57 plate appearances, compared to a 91 OPS+ in 185 plate appearances against right-handed pitchers.

The 2023 season saw Votto start on the injured list due to shoulder surgery he underwent in August 2022. His last fully healthy season was in 2021 when he hit 36 home runs and achieved a 139 OPS+.

While it is uncertain where Votto will end up, it is imaginable that he may don a different franchise's uniform for the first time in his career. As for the Reds, it is likely that Votto's number 19 will be retired in the future, making him the team's 11th retired number (excluding No. 42, retired league-wide in honor of Jackie Robinson).

If this marks the end of Votto's tenure with the Reds, his career with the team solidifies his status as one of the greatest hitters in franchise history. He holds multiple franchise records, including walks (1,365), intentional walks (147), and is second to Pete Rose in doubles (459). Votto also ranks highly in various categories, such as times on base via walk, hit, or hit by pitch (3,581), extra-base hits (837), and total bases (3,706). With 356 home runs, he trails only Johnny Bench on the all-time Reds home run list. Additionally, Votto is ranked fifth in games played (2,056), fourth in hits (2,135), and third in runs (1,171) and RBIs (1,144).

Throughout his time with the Reds, Votto fostered a strong bond with his younger teammates, earning praise for his leadership and making them feel comfortable and included within the team dynamics. His impact extended beyond the field and into the clubhouse, contributing to the positive culture the team cultivated during spring training.

One of the players who benefited from Votto's mentorship is Elly De La Cruz, a fellow infielder who was born in the same year Votto was drafted by the Reds in 2002.

Votto made his major league debut on September 4, 2007, and quickly left his mark, hitting a home run in his second game against the New York Mets. Despite not being the top prospect at the time, Votto's career progressed alongside notable players such as Jay Bruce, Homer Bailey, and Johnny Cueto, forming a core group that led the team to multiple division titles and playoff appearances.

In 2010, Votto was named the National League Most Valuable Player and signed a 10-year contract extension before the 2012 season, solidifying his future with the Reds. However, after more than two decades, the organization has made the difficult decision to move on from their iconic first baseman, closing the chapter on Votto's incredible journey with the team.

As Votto ventures into free agency, baseball fans around the league will keenly observe where the six-time All-Star and former MVP will take his talents next, as he continues to etch his name in the annals of baseball history.