Longtime Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto, a six-time All-Star and the 2010 MVP in the National League, has retired.
The 40-year-old made the announcement as part of a social media post Wednesday night.
"I was myself in this sport. I was able to be my best self," he wrote. "I played this sport with every last ounce of my body, heart, and mind. Thank you for everything."
View this post on Instagram
Votto became a free agent last fall after the end of a 12-year, $251.