One must expect the unexpected in the playoffs, and the Atlanta Braves know that truth as well as anyone. In Game Three of the Wild Card round against the Phillies, few thought going in that Ray Kerr would emerge as one of the game’s heroes, but that is exactly what happened. However, in that same game, an unexpected villain emerged after former Reds star Joey Votto, who was on broadcast duty, made comments that enraged Braves fans. As it turns out, he isn't slowing down anytime soon.
For those not in the know, it all started after Zack Wheeler came into Game Three to try and put out the fire after the Braves jumped all over Aaron Nola. Wheeler looked pretty good at first, and Votto chimed in that he thought the Braves wouldn’t score the rest of the way given how Wheeler looked. Right on cue, Ozzie Albies connected for a two-run homer off of Wheeler to extend Atlanta's lead. To say Braves fans were happy to drag Votto online for his failed prediction is an understatement.
Afterwards, Votto was a good sport about the whole thing. He responded to numerous posts online, but not in a way that made it feel like he was trying to convince the world he was right all along or that he was taking the shots towards him personally. In fact, Votto posted an apology on Twitter/X on Friday, although it did come with another friendly jab at the Braves.
Braves fans, I want to sincerely apologize for guessing so incorrectly, dismissing your offense. I hear you. Good luck in your next series in Los Angeles.
— Joey Votto (@JoeyVotto) October 2, 2026
Dodgers in 5. https://t.co/hh3rWVBqlA
Braves fans have a new playoff villain in Joey Votto, and he is embracing the hell out of it
This is so good. The cadence of starting with what seems to be a sincere apology for underestimating the Braves, only to immediately pick the Dodgers in the NLDS is deeply funny. It almost would have been funnier if Votto called a Dodgers sweep with his full heel turn, but he probably wanted a better chance of being right this time.
The Wild Card broadcast was messy and hard to watch at times, and Votto was part of that. However, the main issue was that there were four people seemingly fighting for airtime, which meant there was never a moment to let the games breathe a bit, and there were constant conversations ricocheting all over the place. Sometimes less is more.
What wasn't an actual problem was Votto calling his shot. Was he wrong? Absolutely, but he owned that. So many national baseball broadcasts are overproduced to the point of feeling sterile and losing any semblance of heart. Votto was wrong, but he was actually trying to take a position on the game happening in front of him. Once you hear John Smoltz complaining about modern baseball for nine innings this coming week, you may wish Votto was back...even if it would be just to boo the hell out of him.
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