Cubs: Ranking the 7 worst contracts in the NL Central

Cubs: Ranking the 7 worst contracts in the NL Central - #5: Joey Votto

Joey Votto is a national treasure - and he also makes 10 times more than the next-highest paid guy on the Reds' active roster. That's problematic (although you could make the case Cincinnati ownership should pony up and start supplementing this young core with better talent), but he's been solid at the plate in what may prove to be his final year in the league.

Making $22.5 million in 2023, Votto's deal has a $20 million team option for next year with a $7 million buyout. Regardless of what he means to the city and fanbase, it's hard to envision the Reds picking up that option. Those dollars could be better spent adding impactful talent to the roster and building around guys like Matt McLain, Elly DeLaCruz and Spencer Steer.

Votto will get Cooperstown consideration, but at this point in his career, he's more than a decade removed from his peak years. The contract has paid for itself in the past, but that's no longer the case.