Joey Votto was again one of the best hitters in baseball last season, and his team was again one of the worst in the league. That hasn't stopped the veteran first baseman from expressing his desire to finish his career with the Cincinnati Reds.

According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, Votto is unwilling to waive the no-trade clause built into the 10-year, $225 million contract extension he signed in 2012. The 33-year-old has seven guaranteed years and $179 million left on the deal, including a $20 million team option for the 2024 season.

"I'm looking forward to the team getting better," Votto said, per Sheldon. "I'm looking forward to being a part of it. I know I have to do everything I can to be a better all-around player so I can keep up with the rest of the guys on the team."

Votto had an impressive slash line of .326/.434/.550 with 29 home runs, 34 doubles and 97 RBIs in 2016; he also led the league in on-base percentage.

The 2010 National League MVP cited former San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady as idols because of their career paths with one team.

"They hold up to their end of the bargain by performing at a certain level and teams are excited to keep them," Votto said, per Sheldon. "That's my objective, to do this as long as I can."

Reds general manager Dick Williams told Sheldon that Cincinnati has not entered into any negotiations regarding a possible trade involving Votto.

The Reds selected Votto in the second round of the 2002 draft.

-- Nick Ostiller