Joey Votto Says He’d Take Cincinnati Reds GM Job 👀

Trace Fowler and Nick Kirby discuss comments made by Joey Votto about potentially being interested in being the Cincinnati Reds next general manager.

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# Joey Votto Says He Would Take Cincinnati Reds General Manager Job

Could Joey Votto eventually return to the Cincinnati Reds as the team’s general manager?

The longtime Reds first baseman had some fun with that idea Tuesday during an appearance on MLB Network’s *MLB Now*. Votto joined a discussion about former Major League Baseball players transitioning into front-office positions after their playing careers ended.

When the possibility came up, Votto quickly volunteered himself for a prominent role with his former organization.

“Yeah, if they want to give me the Reds job, I’ll take it,” Votto said with a smirk. “Yeah, just give me the GM [job], I will take it.”

Votto appeared to be joking, but his comment immediately gave Cincinnati fans something entertaining to consider. Few players in recent Reds history have built a stronger connection with the fan base than Votto, who spent his entire 17-year MLB career in Cincinnati.

The Reds selected Votto in the second round of the 2002 MLB Draft. He made his major-league debut in 2007 and eventually became one of the most accomplished players in franchise history. Votto won the National League MVP Award in 2010, made six All-Star teams and earned a Gold Glove during his time in Cincinnati.

He was also one of the best hitters of his generation. Votto became known for his exceptional plate discipline, deep understanding of opposing pitchers and ability to reach base at an elite level. His thoughtful approach to hitting helped make him one of the most respected players in baseball.

Those qualities would make a potential move into baseball operations intriguing.

Being an accomplished player does not automatically make someone qualified to run a major-league organization, of course. A general manager must oversee scouting, player development, analytics, contracts, trades and roster construction while managing an entire baseball operations department.

Still, Votto has always displayed an unusual curiosity about the sport. He regularly studied the finer details of hitting and was willing to adjust his approach throughout his career. His intelligence, competitiveness and understanding of the game could potentially translate into a front-office role if that is something he eventually wants to pursue.

Votto has also started the next chapter of his career in baseball media. After officially retiring as a player, he joined NBC Sports as an analyst. The position has allowed fans to continue seeing the personality and baseball knowledge that made him such a compelling figure during his playing days.

His appearance on *MLB Now* was another reminder that Votto remains comfortable entertaining an audience. The smile accompanying his general manager comment made it clear that fans should not begin expecting an immediate front-office announcement.

Even so, the idea is not completely unrealistic.

Several former players have moved into prominent baseball operations positions following retirement. Their playing experience can offer a valuable perspective when evaluating talent, communicating with players and shaping an organization’s culture. Votto would still need to learn the administrative side of the job, but his baseball background would provide a strong foundation.

The possibility would also be extremely popular in Cincinnati. Votto spent nearly two decades representing the Reds and remained loyal to the organization through numerous rebuilding seasons. Many fans would welcome an opportunity for him to return in any meaningful role.

For now, Joey Votto becoming the general manager of the Cincinnati Reds is only a fun hypothetical sparked by a playful television comment.

But if the Reds ever decide to call, Votto has already made his answer clear: He will take the job.