Votto: Winning 2020 World Series is 'freaking worth more'

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto believes that winning the Fall Classic during a shortened 2020 campaign would be special amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"I feel very strongly that any team that wins the World Series, even in an abbreviated season, will get full credit and will be able to enjoy it," Votto said Friday, according to Jayson Stark of The Athletic. "And I'll be honest with you. The more I think about winning the World Series this year, I think it's freaking worth more."

The six-time All-Star acknowledged there will be a different motivating factor for winning this season.

"I think it would be even more enjoyable," the 36-year-old Canadian said. "Because these championships are associated with cities … So man oh man, I think it would be fantastic, winning it for your city in a year like this. I think it would be about as good as it gets."

Votto has seen the Reds make the playoffs only three times in his 13-year career. The 2010 NL MVP has played in nine career postseason contests.