CINCINNATI -- For the first time as a professional baseball player, a stretch of 21 years, first baseman Joey Votto is without a team. 

The 40-year-old Votto became a free agent Saturday after he had his $20 million club option declined by the Reds. He received a $7 million buyout. Although told personally Thursday by president of baseball operations Nick Krall he would likely not be brought back, Votto was still absorbing the news. 

"If this is the last time I’ve played for the Reds then I’ve had nothing but a great time," Votto said. "It's been steady in terms of enjoyment and satisfaction, pride. It’s more than I ever could have imagined. I want to make sure I give myself some space as far as flexibility in case things change in the future."

As a free agent, Votto could still sign with the Reds, but Krall noted the decision was based on the current roster loaded with young infielders who will get priority for playing time.

"I’ve never been told no," Votto said. "Since [being drafted in] 2002, I basically got all the playing time. I always had an opportunity to prove myself. All I’ve ever known is I’m going to play all the time, play well and I don’t have to answer because my time on the field answers all questions. Now this is a transition like every professional athlete has experienced. It’s an experience that’s new to me. I’m at a bit of a loss of words. It’s a challenging experience. It’s prompting reflection and gratitude and thankfulness for what is and has been my time as a Cincinnati Red. It’s been so special.”

Votto -- the Reds’ iconic player of his generation, 2010 National League MVP and six-time All-Star -- is second all time in franchise history in homers (356), doubles (459) and OPS (.920), first in walks (1,365), third in runs (1,171), fourth in hits (2,135) and fifth in games (2,056).

• 12 moments that made Joey Votto's career special

A .294 hitter in 17 seasons since his big league debut in 2007, Votto saw his numbers decline sharply the past two seasons. Over 2022-23, he batted .204 with a .712 OPS and 25 homers over only 156 games.

That included left shoulder surgery in August 2022 to repair a torn rotator cuff and biceps. He was out of action for 10 months before returning in June.

The injury and lack of usual production could make Votto's opportunities on the open market more difficult. He would like to continue playing at least another season after an offseason with workouts that don't require shoulder rehabilitation.

“There’s one thing I want: I want to say [when] I’m done," Votto said. "Maybe the game will say I’m done. Maybe the league in general will say I’m done, but I want to say I’m done. I’m really proud of how I’ve managed the last couple of years getting through, working to perform. And so as far as what I’m going to do in the future, it’s such an adjustment. It’s such a shock. I’m going to need a little bit of time to see how I think and feel. My statement from before as far as playing another year, I still think holds true.

"I only have so much control over that. I do wish I gave the Reds fans a better show. I wished I performed better. I wished I gave them more of a satisfying experience watching me play.”

During Votto's time in Cincinnati, the Reds went to the postseason four times in 2010, '12, '13 and '20. They never advanced through a playoff round, however. Getting to a World Series with the club is something he wished he could have had. 

"I’m a story guy. That’s a part of the reason why today hurt," Votto said. "I started a story in 2002 as an 18-year-old and I wanted to finish the story as a Red. … The story I was hoping to be a part of, coming back from an injury and doing well, I wanted to be a part of a World Series for the Reds. 

"As far as chasing it on another team, the second I put a uniform on, I’m playing to win. There’s no question I’m playing to win, play playoff ball and win a championship. Let that be clear. I wanted to be a champion as a Cincinnati Red and give that to our fans and parade through Cincinnati."

The Reds were surprise contenders in 2023 with a young roster and just missed the playoffs with an 82-80 record. After making his season debut, Votto enjoyed fitting in with an energetic and youthful clubhouse. 

Votto was the undisputed face of the franchise. Now the next generation of stars like Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Hunter Greene will take the mantle. 

“There’s something special about being a part of a team that electrifies a city," Votto said. "I was never really part of a team like that. With that being said, I do think that the current team that’s in that clubhouse, that will be in that clubhouse for the foreseeable future, has a chance to electrify this city. … I think in all likelihood, I will watch a team give that fanbase special moments."

The '23 season had other star players, like Adam Wainwright with the Cardinals and Miguel Cabrera for the Tigers, get big sendoffs as they headed into retirement. Wary of attention being a distraction, Votto never wanted a farewell-tour season with the Reds.

But on Sept. 24 vs. the Pirates in what proved to be his final home game at Great American Ball Park, Votto received spontaneous standing ovations and appreciation. It came from fans before, during and after the game.

That was perfect, as far as Votto was concerned. 

"To look out in the crowd, feel the energy, love and support and really soak it in and have a rare moment any athlete gets to experience. It was completely unsolicited. I never asked for it. I’m very satisfied that the team never prompted anything like that. It’s not my style," Votto said. "It’s the best moment of my career without question. … That’s the very best moment of something I’ve given my entire life to. I was stunned at the time and I’ll always reflect on that. You can’t buy that. You can’t order it. You can’t hope for it."