Quantcast

Joey Votto Close to Mega Deal, Reports Say

Joey Votto
Cincinnati Reds’ Joey Votto drives in a run with a single against the Colorado Rockies during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game on Sunday, March 25, 2012 in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Votto
Cincinnati Reds' Joey Votto drives in a run with a single against the Colorado Rockies during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game on Sunday, March 25, 2012 in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Joey Votto is about to cash in.

According to multiple reports, the 28-year-old first baseman and the Reds are working on a 10-year deal worth $225 million, which would be the fourth largest deal in baseball history.

Fox Sports reported that the deal includes the two years Votto is signed for.

When Votto was asked about the potential deal he told reporters: “Ask Walt about that,” referring to general manager Walt Jocketty.

For young kids in little league, maybe it’s a good idea to put your stamp on first base, because it looks like that’s where the money is.

Votto would be the third first-baseman to cash in big time this offseason.

The first was Albert Pujols who signed a 10-year, $254 million deal with the Angels. Prince Fielder then followed that up by signing a nine-year, $214 million with the Detroit Tigers. Now it looks like Votto is next.

According to the Associated Press, Votto and Cincinnati talked about an extension after his NL MVP season in 2010. The two sides worked out a short-term deal for three years and $38 million, which avoided salary arbitration.

During the ’10 season, Votto batted .324 with 37 home runs and 113 RBI, leading the Reds to an NL Central title.

He followed up the award-winning season with a solid 2011, hitting .309, with 29 homers and 103 RBI.

The five-year pro has 119 home runs for his career and a career batting average of .313.

Votto seems to be following a very different path then Pujols and Fielder, who left their respective NL Central teams during free agency.

-With Associated Press