Joey Votto's future murky after Reds decline his 2024 option

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

It's looking like the end of an era for the Cincinnati Reds.

The team announced Saturday it declined Joey Votto's option for the 2024 season, making him a free agent.

Votto would have been owed $17 million next year if the Reds picked it up. The sides can negotiate another salary, but the Reds made it seem like that's probably not an option.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) prepares to bat in the seventh inning of a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati July 15, 2023. (Albert Cesare/The Enquirer/USA Today Network)

In what seemed like a farewell to their beloved first baseman Saturday, the Reds said they "cannot commit to the playing time Joey deserves … based on our current roster and projected plans for the 2024 season.

"For 17 seasons, Joey has been the heart of Reds baseball as a Most Valuable Player, All-Star and respected clubhouse leader. His contributions to our team and his extraordinary generosity toward those in need, throughout our region and beyond, cannot be measured," the team added in a statement.

The Cincinnati Reds' Joey Votto acknowledges fans after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies in Cincinnati June 19, 2023.  (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)

WORLD SERIES MVP COREY SEAGER THROWS SHADE AT ASTROS' ALEX BREGMAN DURING RANGERS' PARADE

"He forever will be part of the Reds' family, and at the appropriate time we will thank and honor him as one of the greatest baseball players of this or any generation."

Votto likely has a spot waiting for him in Cooperstown. He was a