Reds GM open to trading Votto to Blue Jays if Cincinnati out of contention

Cincinnati Reds general manager Nick Krall says he could be open to trading Joey Votto to the Blue Jays if the Reds are out of contention at the trade deadline and the Toronto-born infielder wants to play for his hometown team.

Krall made the comments Monday when asked what he’d do if Votto approached him on GMs Corner with Jim Bowden and Steve Phillips on the SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio channel on Monday.

“If he came to that and we’re not in it at the trade deadline, we’d have a conversation,” Krall said. “I think it’s something to sit down and have a conversation and see where it goes. But we want him to be a lifelong Cincinnati Red and that’s our goal.”

Krall said any thoughts of a trade will be up to Votto.

“At this point, he’s got a full no trade-clause so he can control whatever he wants to control. I think for us we envision him as a lifelong Cincinnati Red, just like Barry Larkin,” Krall said.

The 39-year-old Votto is in the final year of a 10-year, $225-million contract.

The contract has a club option for $20 million in 2024 with a $7-million buyout.

The six-time all-star and 2010 National League MVP was limited to 91 games last year as his season was cut short by rotator cuff and bicep injuries.

Votto slashed .205/.319/.370 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI last season.

Entering his 17th MLB campaign, Votto has spent his entire career with the Reds.

Cincinnati took Votto in the second round (44th overall) of the 2002 MLB Draft.

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