So officially retired.
Stats wise - he is Hall of Very Good.
BUT - compare him to players of his era - I really think it’s closer than you think.
To me HOF should be an automatic for top 5% of players in their era. Votto is likely marginally at or just below that level - but also began at the tail end of steroid era.
Near a .300 hitter with power is not an easy thing to achieve in this era. Not a great defensive player - but not a pure DH caliber either. Did win an MVP and is generally regarded as an all around good guy and liked by the press. Loyalty to Cincy viewed as a positive. 6x AS - again low end of the range of HOF.
He might surprise and sneak in one day. Won’t be mad if he makes it - only if guys like Dave Parker don’t get the nod first.
Stats wise - he is Hall of Very Good.
BUT - compare him to players of his era - I really think it’s closer than you think.
To me HOF should be an automatic for top 5% of players in their era. Votto is likely marginally at or just below that level - but also began at the tail end of steroid era.
Near a .300 hitter with power is not an easy thing to achieve in this era. Not a great defensive player - but not a pure DH caliber either. Did win an MVP and is generally regarded as an all around good guy and liked by the press. Loyalty to Cincy viewed as a positive. 6x AS - again low end of the range of HOF.
He might surprise and sneak in one day. Won’t be mad if he makes it - only if guys like Dave Parker don’t get the nod first.