Joey Votto Says Reds Should Trade Elly De La Cruz
The former Cincinnati star argues the team should trade its top players to build organizational depth.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Baseball
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Joey Votto suggested that if he were the Cincinnati Reds general manager, he would trade star shortstop Elly De La Cruz for multiple prospects. Votto argued that committing massive portions of the team payroll to a single player is not a logical long-term strategy for the franchise.
Why it matters
Votto maintains that the organization should prioritize accumulating depth by trading players before they reach free agency. He believes the Reds missed an opportunity to maximize his own value during his 12-year contract extension by not trading him earlier.
The Cincinnati Reds concluded their 2026 season with a 75-87 record following a 5-1 loss to Toronto. De La Cruz is projected to earn at least $350 million over a six-year period.
The players
Joey Votto
A veteran baseball player known for his long career and 12-year contract extension with the Cincinnati Reds.
Elly De La Cruz
The Cincinnati Reds shortstop who is projected to earn at least $350 million over a six-year period.
Barry Larkin
A former professional baseball player and current analyst who engaged in a public exchange with Votto.
Cincinnati Reds
The professional baseball organization that finished the 2026 season with a record of 75-87.
The details
Votto, who previously played with De La Cruz in Triple-A, suggested the club should have traded him to secure more prospects. He noted that he regrets the team did not trade him during his own tenure to maximize the return for the organization.
Timeline
September 2026: Votto publicly replied to comments made by Barry Larkin.
October 2026: Votto visited Crosley Terrace at Great American Ball Park as the Reds finished their season.
Season Trajectory
Votto's perspective aligns with the long-standing debate regarding how small-market teams should manage star-level salary commitments. His comments offer a critique of the club's current approach to roster construction following their 75-87 finish.
De La Cruz remains a central figure in the Reds' roster planning for future seasons given his projected earnings exceeding $350 million. His trade value represents the potential for the team to pivot from their current performance trajectory.
The takeaway
Votto advocates for a cold, analytical approach to roster management that prioritizes long-term assets over individual stardom. Fans may consider whether trading high-value talent like De La Cruz is a necessary sacrifice for building a perennial contender.
Further reading
For more on the franchise's direction, visit Cincinnati Baseball.
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