Joey Votto gives life to Mariners’ Elly De La Cruz fantasy with spot-on trade take

Former Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto suggested on the Foul Territory podcast that the Reds should trade superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz for a massive prospect haul. Zachary Rymer of Sodo Mojo argues this take provides support for the Seattle Mariners to aggressively pursue a blockbuster trade for the 24-year-old infielder ahead of his free agency after the 2029 season.

Votto warned that De La Cruz's projected future salary could consume an unsustainable portion of Cincinnati's modest payroll. Rymer asserts the Mariners possess both the necessary payroll capacity and high-level prospects, such as Kade Anderson and Lazaro Montes, to potentially assemble a package capable of acquiring the standout switch-hitter.