Rumor: Cincinnati Reds Open to Trading Joey Votto

The Cincinnati Reds are a team to watch as we approach the July 30th trade deadline and one name that's surfaced is first baseman Joey Votto.

The Reds want to shed more salary this season and into next offseason as they team is trying to keep stand out Nick Castellanos in a Reds uniform. Votto is slated to make $25 million next season, has seen his production decline for several seasons now. At 37-years-old, Votto may be better suited for some 'off days' at DH, and could benefit from a trade to the American League. So far this season Votto has recorded 7 HR and has 26 RBI, while hitting .228. He's a career average .303 hitter and could provide a contending team some big hits in October.

Votto isn't set to become a free agent until 2024, so if the Reds find a suitor, expect them to have to eat some money in the deal. Regardless, they could be interested in doing so if it means they get to keep Castellanos and Luis Castillo in Cincy.

Some teams that could be interested in Votto include the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros. Keep an eye on the Reds and Votto as things will get very interesting the next six weeks. 

Photo credit:  Albert Cesare / The Enquirer via Imagn Content Services,