Glew: Votto closes in on more Canadian MLB records

Cincinnati Reds slugger Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) is closing in on more of Maple Ridge, B.C. native Larry Walker’s all-time major league records.

August 18, 2023

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Joey Votto will turn 40 on September 10.

Despite his age, which makes him the sixth oldest player in the majors, Votto has looked rejuvenated on a young Cincinnati Reds team that’s vying for a National League Wild-Card spot.

Votto has belted 13 home runs and owns a .503 slugging percentage in 46 games with the Reds this season after missing the first two-and-a-half months recovering from shoulder surgery.

His production has me once again thinking that he could break more of Maple Ridge, B.C., native Larry Walker’s all-time Canadian major league records.

Votto’s all-time Canadian MLB records

Votto already owns the following all-time Canadian MLB records:

Games played – 2,037

Plate appearances – 8,681

At bats – 7,197

Walks – 1,357

All-Star Game selections – 6

All-time Canadian MLB records Votto might break

If Votto remains healthy for the rest of 2023 and also plays in 2024 (the Reds have a $20-million, 2024 team option), he has good shot at also eclipsing the following Canadian MLB records:

Hits – Votto has 2,126 big league hits, that’s 34 shy of Walker’s record of 2,160.

Home runs – Votto has 355 home runs, that’s 28 shy of Walker’s record of 383.

Doubles – Votto has 458 doubles, that’s 13 shy of Walker’s record of 471.

Other Canadian MLB players’ milestone stats to watch for

-Congratulations to Seattle Mariners right-hander Matt Brash (Kingston, Ont.) who made his 100th major league pitching appearance last night. According to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, Brash is the 42nd Canadian pitcher to make 100 big league appearances.

-Boston Red Sox right-hander Nick Pivetta (Victoria, B.C.) needs two more wins to reach 50 for his career

-Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.), who is currently on the 10-day injured list with an oblique injury, needs one more RBI to set a career-high. He has 79 RBIs this season which equals his career-best set last year.