This afternoon is was put into the air that Cincinnati Reds legend, Joey Votto, was making a return to baseball. Not in the way we’d all hope of course, father nature owns that battle, but perhaps in an even more fun role: Color commentator. This news comes out of NBC reaching a deal with two prominent future Hall of Famers, and well, Anthony Rizzo. Ha. Subscribe to our Newsletter by using the popup or the form below!
Why Joey Votto Would Be Perfect for Baseball Color Commentary
Joey Votto has always been more than just a first baseman with a Hall of Fame résumé — he’s been one of the most intellectually engaging, self-aware, and charismatic players Major League Baseball has seen in decades. As his playing career winds down, one post-baseball role feels almost inevitable: Joey Votto as a color commentator.
Not just good.
Not just entertaining.
But elite. How we all remember 19.
It wasn’t long ago that we wrote about him listing his house up for sale, now he’s coming back to baseball in a capacity.
Baseball IQ That Translates to the Booth
Votto isn’t just a player who understands baseball — he understands why baseball works.
He’s famous for his deep understanding of:
- Pitch sequencing
- Defensive alignments
- Hitter psychology
- Game theory
- Probability and analytics
- Situational baseball
He doesn’t think in clichés — he thinks in systems. That’s exactly what great color commentators do; they translate complexity into clarity for fans at home.
Where most broadcasters say:
“He was just trying to move the runner.”
Votto would explain:
“He’s looking middle-in because the pitcher just showed him away twice, and the infield alignment tells you they’re conceding the right side.”
That’s insight from a big brain with many years of experience, not some nepo-baby color commentator that we’re all used to. Yes, I just threw shots into the air for no reason. Look, I’m excited.
The Rare Combo: Intelligence + Personality
What separates Votto from other former players is that he isn’t just smart — he’s interesting.
He brings:
- Dry humor
- Self-awareness
- Emotional intelligence
- Curiosity
- Storytelling ability
- Authentic personality
- Cultural awareness
He doesn’t talk at people…he talks with people. That’s the difference between a former player on TV and a broadcaster fans actually want to listen to for nine innings.
He Would Modernize Baseball Broadcasting
Baseball broadcasting is stuck between two extremes:
- Old-school clichés
- Overloaded analytics dumps
Votto sits perfectly in the middle.
His Perspective Would Be Unmatched
Votto played in multiple baseball eras, if you really think about it:
- Pre-shift dominance
- Shift-heavy baseball
- Analytics revolution
- Pitch clock era
- Velocity explosion era
- Modern bullpen strategy
- Launch angle revolution
That gives him context, not just opinions. Not just a few years of experience.
He can explain how the game evolved — and why. And that’s why he was so successful playing this sport. It’s why I think he’ll be incredibly successful talking about the sport. Oh, Joey Votto, I will be watching your broadcasts, that’s for sure. I’ve missed you. Let’s go!
Joey Votto HOF Shirt
Joey Votto is a Hall of Famer as a Cincinnati Reds.
