Joey Votto just handed the Reds a bold fix they can’t ignore

Cincinnati Reds legend Joey Votto believes the outfield fences at Great American Ball Park need to be moved back. If the Reds front office continues to emphasize developing top-tier pitchers rather than elite-level hitters, Votto's assertion is 100% correct.

During an appearance on the Jim Day Podcast, Votto spoke about a recent conversation centered around the dimensions of Major League ball parks. Day pressed Votto on the idea of moving the fences back at GABP, and the former Reds star seemed to be in favor of it.

"Well, all the sudden we talk about this, we're spending somebody else's money," Votto said. "I've always thought that, the first couple rows...I'm going to have people not happy at me, but I think the first couple of rows. I'd love to see the ball park feel a bit more neutral."

Joey Votto wants to see the Reds move the fences back at GABP

Reds fans know all too well that GABP is a hitter's paradise. During the heat of the summer in Cincinnati, there are fly balls — that would be routine outs in most stadiums — that turn into game-altering home runs.

According to Baseball Savant, Great American Ball Park placed No. 2 on the list, behind only Dodger Stadium, as the most homer-friendly venue in Major League Baseball last season. From 2020-2024, it ranked No. 1. Oracle Park (San Francisco), PNC Park (Pittsburgh), and Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City), consistently rank among some the most difficult ball parks when it comes to hitting home runs.

Votto's not suggesting the Reds should turn the band box into a pitcher's haven, but pushing the fences back several feet would undoubtedly help to keep some of those wall-scrapers from leaving the field of play. As much as Reds fans love the long ball, there's been plenty of instances when Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and others have looked up in disgust after watching a ball barely clear the short porch in left field.

Based on how the Reds have constructed their current roster — and what seems to be their focus moving into the future — Votto's suggestion makes a lot of sense. Cincinnati has built the core of their team around their pitching staff, and yet, have one of the worst home ball parks to pitch in.

Reds pitchers surrendered 190 home runs in 2025 and 195 the year before. Cincinnati hurlers allowed a whopping 222 balls to leave the yard in 2023, and even with an elite starting staff in 2021 saw 206 round trippers.

If Cincinnati's desire is to build the foundation of their organization around pitching, perhaps they should listen to the future Hall of Famer.