Fansided

MLB power rankings: Top 25 current players

By Joshua Sadlock

April 8, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after he hits a two run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 8, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after he hits a two run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) against the Philadelphia Phillies at Great American Ball Park. The Reds won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) against the Philadelphia Phillies at Great American Ball Park. The Reds won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Joey Votto

1B, Cincinnati Reds

  • Career Stats: .311/.423/.535, 1,414 hits, 312 2B, 224 HR, 865 BB
  • Career Accolades: 2010 NL MVP, 4x All-Star, 2011 Gold Glove

Joey Votto is the active MLB leader in on-base percentage, and is more than content to take his walks if pitchers try to pitch around him. He has led the league in walks in four of the past six seasons. Votto does it all without drawing too much attention to himself (or even welcoming it). He is a reluctant superstar to say the least.

Votto has a career .300/.400/.500 line and has three seasons with an OPS over 1.000. He is more of a doubles hitter than someone who will hit 45 out in a given year. Votto has topped 30 home runs only once in his career, and has not driven in more than 100 runs since 2011. He draws criticism from time to time for his approach at the plate. There is an argument that he could produce more runs by expanding his strike zone slightly and putting more balls in play, but it’s hard to argue with a .423 OBP.

In the second half of the 2016 season, Votto batted .408/.490/.668. That’s even more impressive considering the middling lineup surrounding him. Votto can go out as a Red for life if he really wants, and has shown no interest in demanding a trade even as Cincinnati rebuilds.

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