Joey Votto announced he’s retiring from Major League Baseball on Wednesday.
He leaves behind an impressive career and a lot of memorable moments.
As a six-time All-Star and former MVP, people are already discussing his chances for the Hall of Fame .
Stats and Achievements:
Votto won the National League MVP in 2010 and was an All-Star six times. His career stats are .294/.409/.511 (144 OPS+), with 2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBI, 1,171 runs, and a WAR of 64.5. He led the league multiple times in categories like on-base percentage (seven times) and walks (five times). Only legends like Ted Williams and Barry Bonds have better OBP records.
Although Votto ranks 42nd all-time in OBP during a tough era for hitters, he’s also high up in other categories despite fewer plate appearances compared to others. For instance, he ranks 53rd in OPS and 34th in walks.
Fans might think these stats alone make him Hall of Fame material.
Using JAWS as a measure—he’s the 12th best first baseman ever. He’s ahead of many Hall of Famers like Willie McCovey and Todd Helton but just behind Miguel Cabrera.
Traditional Benchmarks:
Votto didn’t hit some traditional benchmarks like 3,000 hits or 500 home runs. But this isn’t necessarily disqualifying for the Hall of Fame. Players like Johnny Mize and Kirby Puckett also fell short yet made it to Cooperstown.
Many greats didn’t reach those milestones but still earned their place among baseball’s elite.
Postseason Performance:
Some judge players by their playoff performances. Votto had mixed results: he excelled in the 2012 NLDS but struggled elsewhere with an overall postseason line of .244/.319/.244 over just eleven games.
Critics might use this against him, but it’s unfair to judge based on such small samples. Even Ted Williams had poor postseason numbers!
With runners in scoring position or high-pressure situations though? Votto shined with averages well above his regular-season stats.
The Eye Test:
Some say you should know if someone is Hall-worthy just by watching them play. During his prime years especially—Votto felt special to many fans who saw him as one-of-a-kind at-bat artist who could either launch homers or draw walks effortlessly thanks largely due excellent pitch recognition skills making every plate appearance captivating viewing experience indeed!
This subjective view matters too—it felt like greatness watching him play!
The Final Verdict:
While it may not happen immediately upon eligibility—I believe Joey Votto will eventually be inducted into Baseball’s Hall Of Fame despite facing criticism along way proving himself worthy respect admiration within sport community overall resume speaks volumes deserving recognition highest honor sport can bestow upon player when time comes around again someday soon hopefully sooner rather than later perhaps?
What do you think? Should Joey Votto make it into the Hall of Fame?
