Joey Votto found himself back in familiar surroundings over the weekend, joining the Reds broadcast team for Sunday night’s game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field and spending time in the Cincinnati clubhouse before the series finale.
For Reds president Nick Krall, the message around the Hall of Famer has not changed: there’s room for Votto whenever he wants it.
“The door is still open. It’s absolutely open,” Krall said, adding that he first reached out to Votto soon after the former Reds star retired in 2024.
“When he’s around, he’s a huge help,” Krall said. “He’s always a guy you’d love to have part of the organization.”
Votto’s return to the ballpark carried the easy feel of someone who still fits the place naturally. During his 17-year Reds career, he became one of the franchise’s defining players, collecting six All-Star selections and a Gold Glove.
Since retiring, Votto has taken occasional invitations to work with Class A Reds prospects in Daytona, Florida, not far from his home. He has also spent time in media and traveling, while making it clear he is not, at least for now, locking himself into a specific job in the sport.
Krall said the Reds would welcome something more permanent if Votto ever wants it.
“He’s awesome. Joey’s still doing his own thing, but he’s a great guy,” Krall said.
“We’d love to find something (for him) and be able to do something. He’s just a tremendous asset on all different levels.”
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