The Reds and Joey Votto are "working hard" on a multiyear extension for the reigning NL MVP, tweets SI.com's Jon Heyman. Votto, who is eligible for arbitration for the first time, is currently under team control through 2013.
Heyman suggests Votto and the Reds could end up agreeing to a three-year contract, which would only buy out the 27-year-old's arbitration seasons. In such a scenario, Votto would still be eligible to hit free agency after the 2013 campaign, though it would give the two sides some cost certainty until that point.
The Reds have already extended one of their lineup's cornerstones this winter, signing Jay Bruce to a six-year deal. While the Reds may not commit more guaranteed money to Votto than the $51MM Bruce will earn, the average annual value of a Votto extension would certainly be higher, even with no free agent years included. In a second tweet, Heyman indicates that, if it gets done, a three-year deal would likely be worth around $37MM.
i just dont understand the benefit of buying out only the arbitration years
Cost certainty. But it would be nice if they got some free agency years out of the deal too, which I’m guessing they’d be trying to negotiate for.
It’ll give them more time to work something out in terms of a longer deal, instead of feeling like they need to rush to get something done now, and maybe if we keep winning in these three years, and advance deep in the playoffs, it’ll make Joey see the Reds really are on the verge of returning to glory, and he’ll be more eager/willing/wantful to sign long term and stay.
Not to mention if the Reds do keep winning over the course of the next three seasons, more fans will be in the ballpark and the payroll will increase, thus giving us more wiggle room to keep him for even longer. I am still holding out for a three year deal with a club option for a 4th year….that way the Reds get at least one of his free agent years.
If the Reds can get this done are they going to move Alonso? I bet quite a few teams would be interested in him.
Last I heard they were trying to convert him to an outfielder in the hope that he’ll stick so it doesn’t come to that.
Hm, interesting. That would be a good idea. His bat looks like it’s going to be worth it.
Reds, Votto Discussing Multiyear Contract. We’ve kind of known that for the past month now
ideal scenerio would be for votto to sign a three year deal with alonso being able to be respectable defensively in left. at the end of the three year deal for votto, he would be gone unfortunatly because he will be a 20 mill. dollar man and unless something drastic happens the reds will not be able to afford that. with votto gone you can slide alonso to first with Yorman Rodriguez taking his spot in left.
I think that Jessica is right we cant afford him after the 3 yrs are up and the yanks and other high market teams will go after him.