Joey Votto, the legendary former Cincinnati Reds first baseman, is back in the dugout—this time as a mentor. The six-time All-Star has been spotted working with Reds prospects at Single-A Daytona, including 2024 second-round draft pick Tyson Lewis.

Lewis, a 20-year-old shortstop ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the Reds' system by MLB Pipeline, is making the most of the opportunity. Through 130 plate appearances this season, he's batting .263 with two home runs and five stolen bases for the Daytona Tortugas. His highlight reel already includes a walk-off, three-run homer against Clearwater on May 5—the kind of clutch moment that turns heads in the minors.

Tortugas broadcaster Matthew Mounsey confirmed Votto's presence, noting the former MVP has been working closely with Lewis and his teammates. It's a full-circle moment for Votto, who spent 17 seasons in Cincinnati and remains deeply connected to the organization.

This isn't Votto's only recent Reds-related gesture. In March, he gifted the team a clock now displayed on Crosley Terrace, just outside the main entrance of Great American Ball Park—a timeless nod to his love for the franchise.

Off the field, Votto is also carving out a new role in baseball media. He appeared on "The Jim Day Podcast" in February to discuss his upcoming job as an MLB analyst for NBC and Peacock during the 2026 season. "To the credit of NBC, they were persistent," Votto said. "And they let me know that they had quite a bit of interest. I still think there are moments I'm trying to figure out the next steps. But I love the sport."

For now, though, Votto's focus is on the next generation—and for a Reds fan base dreaming of a bright future, there's no better teacher to have in the dugout.