Reds fire sale: 3 trade destinations for Joey Votto

Is Joey Votto next in the Cincinnati Reds fire sale? If so, his trade market would have to be fierce. 

It appears the Cincinnati Reds are in the midst of a pre-season fire sale. Could first baseman Joey Votto be next?

Votto’s current contract is a 10-year/$225 million deal through 2023, with a club option for 2024. Votto is pretty much the face of this organization but the Reds appear to be having a sale.

The Reds traded off pieces fans would believe the team was working to build around for the future in Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez.  The two were traded to the Seattle Mariners on Monday. Sonny Gray was dealt to the Minnesota Twins in a deal Sunday. Nick Castellanos is a free agent and not expected to re-sign with the Reds.

At 38, Votto is still producing at a high level. In 129 games in 2021, he hit .266/.375/.563 with a +140 wRC. He had 36 home runs.

It would be hard to imagine Votto in anything other than a Cincinnati Reds uniform, but after these moves, it proves anything is possible. Teams are looking for a lefty first baseman who can hit. Votto fits that bill.

What teams fit the bill for what Votto provides?

Joey Votto trade destinations: 3 teams Reds could sell star 1B to

New York Yankees

The Yankees are in need of a left-handed first baseman and would be able to take on the remainder of Votto’s salary. The Yankees have been in the hunt for Freddie Freeman but may opt for a trade for the firey veteran presence the team could get with Votto.

Oakland Athletics

The team traded away Matt Olson and could use a veteran bat in their lineup. It’s unlikely he would want to go to the A’s but it would be a move to a team where he would be beloved for his passion. The A’s probably wouldn’t want to take on the remainder of the contract, but anything is possible.

Cleveland Guardians

This would be hard to believe but a move within the state of Ohio could be possible. Bobby Bradley appears to be at the top of their depth chart at first. They could be in need of a veteran presence with a power bat.

It would be shocking to see Joey Votto traded away from Cincinnati. But apparently, anything is possible for the club as they are selling off much of their top talent.