Votto candid about retirement decision: 'I was washed'

Joey Votto knew his 17-year career was likely over in 2023 before deciding to retire Wednesday while playing in the Toronto Blue Jays' minor-league system.

"I was washed," Votto said Friday on the "Dan Patrick Show." "I was done probably last year at some point. But I am the one that has to make that decision."

The 40-year-old recorded one homer with four RBIs and a .489 OPS over 15 games in Triple-A Buffalo after recovering from an ankle injury in spring training that sidelined him for over two months.

Votto acknowledged that a recent sign to hang up the cleats was a lack of desire to hit during a minor-league game.

"It wasn't until the other day when I didn't want a plate appearance," Votto said. "When the coach was, like, 'Do you want this at-bat?' And I was, like, 'I don't.' And I've never had that. I've always had a direction. I've always been, like, 'I'm going that way.'"

Votto added that a conversation with one of his childhood baseball icons gave him clarity.

"I'm sitting on the bench in Buffalo, passing on a plate appearance" Votto said. "And guess who's sitting beside me. (Blue Jays legend) Devon White. And he said to me, 'So, what do you think you're going to do?' And he was talking about my hitting style. Like, what adjustments do you think you're going to make? And I go, 'I think I'm done.' And he goes, 'You mean retire?' And I go, 'Yeah, I think I'm done.'"

Votto joined the Blue Jays on a minor-league deal in the offseason after a stellar run with the Cincinnati Reds, which included winning the 2010 NL MVP, six All-Star appearances, and a Gold Glove.