Cincinnati Reds franchise star Joey Votto has announced his intention to extend his playing career.
“I’d like to play at least one more year,” Votto said in a broadcast on Sunday (Nov. 7), “preferably in Cincinnati, but I’m open to other teams.”무지개토토
Votto, a Canadian native, has played 17 seasons in a Cincinnati uniform, debuting in 2007.
With a career batting average of .294, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, and a .920 OPS, Votto was a six-time All-Star and was named the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2010. However, his last two years have been plagued by injuries and he has shown signs of aging, batting just .204 with a .712 OPS.
In the season finale against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 2, he was ejected for protesting an umpire’s call.
Multiple local media outlets reported that Votto would retire after this season, but the player himself announced his intention to extend his career.
Votto has an option to re-sign with Cincinnati for $20 million next season, but it is believed that he will opt out with a $7 million buyout.
“I’m also excited about the fact that I could be the first free agent,” Votto said.