Joey Votto Predicts Elly De La Cruz Could Command $700 Million Deal

Joey Votto predicted that Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz could command a 12-year, $700 million contract in free agency, suggesting the team may be unable to afford him long-term. Votto made the remarks during a Sunday Night Baseball broadcast and elaborated on social media. Votto cited De La Cruz's elite arm, range, and average of 5-6 WAR through age 24 as reasons for the massive projection. The Reds previously offered De La Cruz a franchise-record extension in spring 2025, but he declined, with agent Scott Boras likely steering him toward free agency. De La Cruz remains under team control through 2029, but Votto's estimate would triple the Reds' current largest contract, his own $225 million deal from 2012. While the projection is speculative, it highlights the financial challenge Cincinnati faces if De La Cruz reaches MVP-level production.