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For the first time in 14 years, the Cincinnati Reds will be without their star player and leader Joey Votto on Opening Day. Votto will begin the season on the Injured List after undergoing surgery during the offseason. Votto has been the face of the Reds franchise since winning MVP in 2010.
This is the worst news that Cincinnati Reds fans could have heard with Opening Day drawing closer. The team is not expected to challenge for a playoff spot or even battle for a winning record, but they would love to see their favorites shine. Instead, Joey Votto's 2023 debut will be delayed.
Talkin' Baseball shared the unfortunate news on Twitter.
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Players who are in MLB for 16 years, all with one team, are exceedingly rare. That is what makes Joey Votto such a special player with a special connection to the city, especially considering the fact that Votto never left to chase a championship, he stayed loyal to the city of Cincinnati despite the lack of success.
Fans were visibly upset upon seeing Votto's name on the Injured List and expressed their grief on Twitter:
The end of Votto's streak is another unfortunate reminder that he is approaching the end of his career. After 16 years, some question how much he has left in the tank and if he can still contribute. Considering the Cincinnati Reds aren't expected to be great this year, some even think Votto could be traded. Considering he was born in Canada, a move to the Toronto Blue Jays has been theorized.
The Reds managed to avoid finishing last place in the National League Central in 2022, barely edging out the Pittsburgh Pirates. Being among the worst team in the league is never easy, as Reds fans clearly understand. The hope was that Joey Votto could lead them to marginal improvements this year. Now, his health may hinder that endeavor.
The end of a 14-year streak is always painful, especially when it involves the face of a franchise.
Will 2023 be Joey Votto's final season with the Cincinnati Reds?
Votto has been synonymous with the Reds for the better part of the last decade, but all things come to an end. The team will have the option to pick up the final year of Votto's contract, which would see him earn #20 million.
The signs are pointing toward the Cincinnati Reds declining that option, which would likely lead to Votto's departure.
