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MLB Rumors: Joey Votto adds pressure to Reds, Yankees asset fails, Astros Abreu replacement

By Mark Powell

TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 7: Jose Abreu #79 of the Houston Astros at bat in the second inning of their MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on June 7, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 7: Jose Abreu #79 of the Houston Astros at bat in the second inning of their MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on June 7, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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Reds, Joey Votto, MLB Rumors
Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds acknowledges the crowd before his first at bat of the season in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park on June 19, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

MLB Rumors: Joey Votto adds pressure for the Reds

Before the season, Joey Votto was floated as a potential trade chip for the Reds. Would he be sent to the Toronto Blue Jays, to finally play for his home country in Canada? The Jays, after all, had a chance to contend in the AL East.

Oh, how times have changed. The Reds lead the NL Central for a reason, as they’ve won 12 straight games as of this writing. Votto just came off the injured list, and contributed in a big way on Friday night, hitting a massive home run to give Cincinnati the lead.

If the Reds make the playoffs, Votto will be a big reason why. While the Elly De La Cruz’s of the world can carry Cincinnati for quite some time, eventually the veterans will have to step to the plate. Heck, Cincy needs pitching, and the front office knows that. As new buyers, they’ll have to make improvements in that regard.

Votto compared De La Cruz, who has been a linchpin in the Reds current 12-game win streak, to Yankees legend Mickey Mantle.

“Has there been a better switch-hitting, speed, power guy? The only comp I can think of is Mickey Mantle – a young Mickey Mantle,” Votto said, according to MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon. “That’s unfair to put on Elly, (comparing him to) maybe one of the greatest players of all time. Elly has got plenty of time to entertain the fans.”

Good lucky, Elly. After just 15 games, De La Cruz has hit for the cycle and made history three times over, at least. Votto has high expectations, but it’s tough to blame him at this point. He’s having fun.

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