MLB rumors: Reds already have an out planned with Joey Votto

If the Cincinnati Reds are out of contention come the MLB trade deadline, look for Joey Votto to be a potential player moved. The Toronto Blue Jays are an obvious suitor.

It’s rare to find a general manager so open about moving his own players, but Reds GM Nick Krall doesn’t hide from the truth — Cincinnati is rebuilding.

This means many players from the old guard won’t remain on the roster for long. This includes Joey Votto, who has spent his entire career with the Reds but is entering his age-39 season. Votto could very well retire soon. Despite playing in a small market, Votto is beloved and has one of the most unique personalities in the sport.

While Cincinnati isn’t expected to contend this season, is there a scenario where they could trade Votto somewhere he has a chance to play in the postseason?

Reds GM says team could trade Joey Votto

Trading Joey Votto would hurt the fanbase, but perhaps help the team in the long run. At this point in his career Votto doesn’t add much value for a team in the midst of a rebuild. For a contending club — like the Toronto Blue Jays — Votto could provide a bat off the bench, at the very worst.

Votto is from Toronto, which is why a trade to a contending Blue Jays team would be special, if the cards fall that way. Of course, if the Reds are in a contending situation, there’s virtually no chance they would sell off an asset like Votto. They would need all the help they can get.

The 39-year-old has played well against his boyhood team in Toronto, slashing .250/.340/.614 with a 146 wRC+ across 12 games — including a game-winning home run last May. It would be a poetic finish to Votto’s incredible MLB career.