Joey Votto, a former NL MVP and six-time All-Star, announced his retirement from baseball in a brief video shared on social media on Wednesday. The video was recorded outside Sahlen Field in Buffalo, where Votto had been playing for the Blue Jays’ Triple-A team. Afterward, he crossed the border into Toronto to visit the Reds’ clubhouse, meeting with former teammates and manager David Bell, and later discussing his decision to retire with reporters.

Born in Toronto, Votto signed a minor league contract with the Blue Jays in March, returning to the field after a lengthy recovery from an ankle injury. In 15 games at Triple-A, Votto managed only 6 hits in 42 at-bats, including one home run and four RBIs, while striking out 22 times.

Reflecting on his decision, Votto admitted having doubts about whether it was the right time to retire but ultimately concluded that he could no longer play at a high level. “I was awful down there,” he said, adding that he had “zero regrets” about ending his career, though he was disappointed not to have played for the Blue Jays this season. Votto expressed sadness at missing the chance to play in front of his hometown fans and family.

Votto, 40, became a free agent last fall after signing a $251.5 million, 12-year contract with the Reds, the only team he played for during his 17-year major league career. The Reds declined his $20 million option for 2024.

Votto noted that the game had changed significantly over the years, becoming faster and more defensively demanding, and he acknowledged that he could no longer keep up. “The writing is on the wall,” he said.

Votto’s career included the 2010 NL MVP award, a Gold Glove in 2011, and a.294 batting average with 356 home runs and 1,144 RBIs over 2,056 games.

Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson, who became close with Votto during rehab, described him as both a great player and friend. Reds manager David Bell praised Votto’s incredible career, while Blue Jays manager John Schneider called it “unbelievable.”

Votto’s 2023 season was hampered by a shoulder injury, limiting him to 65 games. He didn’t play until June 19, exactly 10 months after surgery on his left biceps and rotator cuff. Despite a spring training home run, he struggled with injuries, ultimately concluding that he was no longer major league ready.