The Reds Said 4 Words About Joey Votto, And It’s Still Not Enough

Joey Votto looked right at home, chilling in the Cincinnati Reds clubhouse before their weekend series finale against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, then dropping in on the broadcast. But while the Reds’ front office is making it clear they want him back in the organization whenever he wants, it sounds like Votto is still playing coy.

The Front Office Is Making Moves

Reds team president Nick Krall isn’t holding back, laying it all on the table for the former MVP. “The door is still open. It’s absolutely open,” Krall stated, making it crystal clear he’s been pushing for Votto’s return since the guy retired in 2024. Krall totally gets what Votto brings to the table, saying, “When he’s around, he’s a huge help.” For Krall, Votto is “always a guy you’d love to have part of the organization.” It really sounds like they’re practically begging him to come home, to be honest.

Votto’s Keeping Everyone Guessing

So what’s the holdup? Votto, the legend with six All-Star selections and a Gold Glove over his 17-year Reds career, has been busy since hanging up his cleats. He’s been doing some media gigs, traveling, and even occasionally popping in to work with Class A Reds prospects down in Daytona, Florida, near his home. That’s cool and all, but he’s also hinted he’s just not interested in a specific job commitment back in the game,at least not yet. He’s clearly enjoying his post-playing life, but you gotta wonder if Krall’s persistent overtures will finally sway him.

The ball is totally in Votto’s court. He’s got an open invitation to return to the organization that made him a legend. Reds fans have to be feeling that mix of hope and frustration, seeing their hero hanging around but not fully committing. Will Votto finally say yes and grab a permanent role, or will he keep the fans guessing? We’ll all be watching to see if this Reds icon makes his official comeback.

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Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.