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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades Reds should make

By Parker Hurley

May 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 15, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) during game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Reds defeated the Phillies, 9-4. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) during game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Reds defeated the Phillies, 9-4. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Joey Votto to the Blue Jays  

Votto may be the toughest of all of the big names on the Reds to trade. Still, the Blue Jays have shown that they are trying to win right now and that they are not afraid to pay for it more than any other team.

The problem would be that they are paying a lot for it. Votto’s contract is ugly compared to where his play is trending this season. He is going to be making $25 million per year until 2023. That is a hefty price to pay, but at some point the Reds are going to have to take whatever they can to get out of it.

Votto is a fan favorite, but after a great 2015, his 2016 has been below average. His power is still there, he is on pace for close to 30 home runs. Still, he is hitting .255 this year, compared to his .314 last year, and his .307 career mark.

However, the bigger difference this year is his defense. This season he has a -7 defensive runs saved rating. His career low was -2, but on average he was an above average defender with a career high on nine.

No National League team wants to trade for a 32-year with declining defense let alone pay him a hefty fee until he is 40. Therefore his market is already limited to 15 teams. Add in his no trade clause and there are about five teams that could add him. The Jays may or may not be one, but if winning is something Votto wants, he can do it there, and he is a great addition.

Justin Smoak has played 81 games, most at first base and has a .231 average and a .727 OPS. Votto in his down year still has a .255 average and .832 OPS. He would provide an immediate upgrade, whether at first or in the DH role. Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista and Votto can all cycle between DH and first base as well have Bautista play in right.

The lineup would also have the most names in the MLB in the past decade. By paying his price tag, you may not diminish your farm system to grab him. That all said, the Blue Jays may be the only possible trade for Votto.

Next: 4. Brandon Phillips to Dodgers

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