Cincinnati Reds sign Joey Votto for multi-million dollar 10-year deal - MLB News
The inevitable has happened as the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday, April 4 signed the first baseman Joey Votto for a 10-year $225 million contract. He will now be part of the Reds with a club option of $20 million for the 2024 season.
This is the most expensive contract the Reds have signed with any player in the club’s history, making Votto one of the most richly-paid players.
However, there is probably no element of surprise in the deal that was struck. What will remain special, nonetheless, is the fact that Joey Votto will end his career in an organization which drafted and introduced him afterwards to Major League Baseball.
"It's very unusual for a player to have drafted, signed and played his entire career in one organization, and we're very proud to say Joey will do that," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said.
Joey Votto has a lot to exhibit when it comes to the professional baseball circuit and the achievements he has had. Starting from being an MVP, he has remained two-time All-Star and 2011 National League Gold Glove Award winner.
The club might not have won any big title lately, Joey Votto – nonetheless, has bestowed the team with invaluable contributions whenever and wherever he can. It is this feature of the player that wins him admiration not only in the team but also outside.
"He's a winner and he exemplifies what the Reds stand for," Reds CEO Bob Castellini said. "Who he is and what he does represents how we're trying to build this team."
While the deal was indeed one of the richest ever by the Reds, many might have wondered if Votto could get a bigger offer from any other team once he had become free agent.
However, there is something simple, clear and plain when it comes to Votto’s decision to stay with the Reds: "The bottom line is I like it here," Votto said.
With the contract that he has signed, Votto now bears responsibility and will have huge pressure on him to perform accordingly; which – if track record is anything to go by, will materialise.
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