How the Reds Can Follow Joey Votto's Advice and Build a Contender

Joey Votto has been talking about his former team, the Cincinnati Reds, for about a month, so much so that he recently said that if he doesn’t start getting paid, his media appearances will suddenly be few and far between. 

In a recent appearance, Votto said he thinks the Reds should trade starting shortstop Elly De La Cruz for a boatload of prospects, adding that the Reds should have done that with him before he signed a long extension after winning the MVP in 2010, which he also said the Reds shouldn’t have offered him. 

However, he also said the Reds shouldn’t overcomplicate the easy wins and avoid paying superstar players long-term, expensive contracts. 

But what could some of those “easy wins” be? Let’s ponder some of them. 

Sign Sal Stewart as soon as possible

Stewart’s market would likely be around eight years and $250-$275 million, within the range the Reds could afford even without a new CBA, and much cheaper than what Elly De La Cruz would command. Part of success as a small-market team is taking a gamble on a player by signing them early, before they become expensive. They could have done the same with Matt McLain, and it would have been a lost bet after injuries derailed his career.

Sal Stewart is different. He isn’t as injury-prone, and he's already established himself as one of the league's best pure hitters. He’s the kind of guy you can build around whether you keep Elly De La Cruz or not. 

Stewart wanted to sign an extension earlier this year, when the Pirates and Tigers signed their rookie infielders, Konnor Griffin and Kevin McGonigle. The Reds were hesitant, and it didn’t sound like they ever initiated those conversations. Locking him up now is an easy win. 

Replenish the farm system by trading Spencer Steer and Hunter Greene

This doesn't have to happen this offseason. Honestly, it might need to wait until next offseason, given Greene's injury situation.

Very few players in the Reds' farm system could help them in 2027 or 2028. Alfredo Duno is the main one. Justin Lebron’s development could change that as he breaks out. 

I think trading Spencer Steer this offseason could be a good move. He will be a free agent in 2029 and could help a contending team because of his defensive versatility and his consistent offensive production. 

Also, Hunter Greene could be another trade chip. He has a club option in 2029 and is a free agent in 2030. He will make $15 million a year in 2027, and $21 million if the Reds exercise his option. He would demand a much larger haul of prospects than Steer, especially if he proves he can stay healthy.