Joey Votto extends his contract with Reds

[The Guid]

The Reds have reached an agreement on a three-year extension with Joey Votto, reports MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. The deal, which is a pending a physical scheduled for Monday, will be worth $38MM.

Votto was entering his first season of arbitration eligibility, so the contract will cover the remaining three years of team control. Because the extension only buys out his arbitration seasons, the 27-year-old will still be able to become a free agent after the 2013 season.

Taking into account Votto's strong finish and MVP award, his 2011 cost likely would have been even higher than $7MM, and would only have increased over the next two years. With this deal, the arbitration process will be avoided, providing both sides with some cost certainty. While $38MM is a significant price to pay for three non-free agent years, it's not unprecedented - Ryan Howard earned $44MM from the Phillies over his first three arbitration seasons.

Votto's deal is the third major extension the Reds have agreed to this winter. In December, Bronson Arroyo signed a three-year, $35MM contract to remain in Cincinnati, and Jay Bruce signed for six years and $51MM.

-MLBTR

 

[bestkeptsecret13]

Really good deal for the Reds, even better deal for Votto who made $525K last season.

 

[snipezo]

Good signing. He deserves it. Now come to toronto in 2013!!!!!

 

[WHO-DEY-BENGALS_18]

Good for Votto & the Reds. He's someone they will want for quite some time, he was great this past year for the Reds, I expect that to continue into 2011. Glad they could work something out for at least another three years.

 

[Lake Louise]

Great deal. Votto was that hidden talent that no one really knew about. Now, people know about him, and his success won't be as surprising, or as great because they will pitch around him more. I still see him putting up great numbers though.

 

[cruzg24]

Very nice deal for the Reds to lock him up. Idk about Jay Bruce though, thats a lot of money for a guy that is still very mediocre if you ask me.

 

[MJB]

ugh, good smart move by the reds.