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Votto Shocks Reds with $700M Contract Guess
3 Sep
Summary
- Votto predicts Elly De La Cruz could earn $700 million.
- Reds offered a record-breaking extension in 2025, which was refused.
- De La Cruz is under team control until 2029.
During Sunday Night Baseball's coverage, Joey Votto offered a stark projection for Reds' star Elly De La Cruz's future contract, estimating a potential 12-year, $700 million free agency deal. Votto, who previously stated the Reds likely cannot afford De La Cruz, detailed his reasoning on social media, suggesting De La Cruz could become an MVP-level player with significant offensive and defensive capabilities.
The Cincinnati Reds had previously attempted to secure De La Cruz with a record-setting contract offer during spring training in 2025. However, De La Cruz, represented by agent Scott Boras, rejected the proposal. He remains under team control until 2029, making any extension before then appear unlikely.
Votto's own 10-year, $225 million contract from 2012, the largest in Reds history, pales in comparison to his prediction. While De La Cruz might not reach such a figure, Votto's assessment emphasizes the significant financial challenge the Reds face if he continues his development trajectory.
