MLB Trade Specutlation: 5 Teams That Could Land Joey Votto Via Trade

Joey Votto trade rumors have been swirling over the past year or so. It's an intriguing topic, and lately both sides have shown a willingness to negotiate a long-term deal to keep Votto in Cincinnati. However, if the two sides can't come together on a deal, it's highly likely Votto will be moved prior to his contract running out in 2013.

A lot hinges on how well the Reds play and draw fans in the last two seasons of Votto's deal. If the fans flock to the ballpark to see a winning team, Votto will be re-signed. If the Reds falter and play similarly to the way they did in 2011, then he'll be traded.

Ian Casselberry's article "MLB: 5 Teams That Could Give Joey Votto Long-Term Deal He Seeks" got me thinking about which teams could land Votto in a trade. I don't think Votto will just hit the open market so here are five teams who could bring in Joey Votto via trade.

Tampa Bay Rays

Charles Krupa

Just please don't send us Matt Bush.

The Tampa Bay Rays are very capable of landing Votto in a trade. They had the second-lowest payroll in baseball last year, so a long-term extension would be very possible.

The Rays also have an impressive pool of young talent in the minors. The Reds could obviously demand a very impressive package from whatever team they would choose to deal Votto to, but Tampa has the ability to put that package together.

The Reds would likely call for the inclusion of outfielder Mike Mahtook, LHP Enny Romero and/or Chris Archer. The total package would probably include three to four players for Votto.

The Rays would lose some depth in the farm system, but they would gain one thing that has been holding them back. The Rays have had a big question mark at first base for the last few years now. Carlos Pena was great in 2007, but after that his average declined sharply to the point where he batted below the Mendoza Line in 2010.

Votto would absolutely solve the Rays' question at first base and would probably throw the balance of power in the AL East way in favor of Tampa Bay.

Both sides have been linked in prior trade rumors in the past. If Votto were to hit the trading block, I would suspect that these two would be in talks to send him to Tampa Bay.

Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners are the first of three teams on this list who have previously been on the other end of big trades with the Reds. Obviously everybody knows I'm referring to the trade that brought Ken Griffey Jr. to the Reds in exchange for a four-player package including Mike Cameron and Brett Tomko.

This time around, the Reds would be asking for a much more complete package. Griffey was 30 years old at the time and had a few injuries in previous seasons. Votto, on the other hand, would be 29, and he's played in at least 131 games in each of his first four full seasons.

A deal between these two teams makes sense for a few reasons. First, the Mariners struck out on Prince Fielder this offseason and have a relatively modest payroll. They've also shown an interest in expanding that payroll by being in the mix for Fielder, so a long-term extension for Votto wouldn't be out of the question.

Second, the Mariners have some good young talent in the minors that they could send back to Cincinnati. One name that comes to mind immediately is Taijuan Walker. He would likely come to Cincinnati, but other possibilities include 2B/SS Nick Franklin, 3B Francisco Martinez and LHP James Paxton.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays and Reds were trade partners back in 2009 when Scott Rolen came to Cincinnati for Edwin Encarnacion.

The biggest trade rumor of last year involved sending Votto to Toronto for Jose Bautista. While I don't think that trade will ever see the light of day, I'm not counting out a trade that would send Votto to Toronto.

The Blue Jays have made it pretty well known that they aren't really looking to get into contracts that range up to 10 years. I have to believe they would make an exception in the case of Votto. Votto is a native Canadian, and to bring a player of his caliber to Toronto could do wonders for their fan base.

In order to get their man, the Blue Jays would have to pay just as high a price as everybody else. Toronto is loaded with pitching talent and would have to give up one or two of their pitching prospects (preferably Noah Snydergaard or Daniel Norris). The Jays would also have to part with one or two position players, possibly outfielders Anthony Gose or Jake Marisnick.

Don't rule out a move for established pitcher Brandon Morrow either.

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers and Cincinnati Reds last worked together to swap Josh Hamilton for Edinson Volquez and Daniel Ray Herrera. This trade hurt to watch unfold. Everything seemed great for both sides as of 2008, when Volquez won 17 games and Hamilton hit .304 with 35 HR and 130 RBI.

Since 2008, Volquez has been injured, suspended for PEDs and incredibly unreliable. Conversely, Hamilton has been outstanding aside from his 2009 season, where he played just 89 games due to injury.

The two organizations obviously have ties through prior trades, and the Rangers have shown interest in acquiring a big-name first baseman as they, like the Mariners, were in the mix for Fielder. Votto would certainly solidify the position, and the Reds would benefit greatly.

The Rangers already have a solid amount of starting pitching at the major league level, so it's possible the Reds could receive a pitcher who'd be ready to step right into the rotation (maybe Derek Holland?).

If that doesn't interest the Reds, they have some intriguing prospects, including LHP Martin Perez, RHP Cody Buckel, 3B Mike Olt and OF Leonys Martin.

New York Mets

The New York Mets are in an obvious rebuilding phase. The team is recovering from from its fourth straight losing season, and a player like Votto could really help turn the fortunes of a franchise.

Votto could put fans in the seats at Citi Field. He can also make the team a more attractive location for big-market free agents.

The Mets have always shown a willingness to spend money, so a long-term contract for Votto is very realistic. The other thing that makes this deal possible is a decent amount of attractive prospects.

The only player I assume the Mets would call off-limits is Zack Wheeler. After coming over in the Carlos Beltran deal, I doubt the Mets would want to send him off after just acquiring him last year.

The Mets could offer a nice package including players like RHP Matt Harvey, OF Cesar Puello, OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis, 2B Reese Havens and RHP Jeurys Familia.

Round-Up

One notable team left off the list is the Los Angeles Dodgers. The only reason they don't make this list is because their ownership situation is such a mess that I don't know what to make of it. If they can get everything situated then the Dodgers could definitely make a move for Votto.

As a Reds fan, I hope the organization can lock Votto up for the duration of his career. Players like Votto don't come around that often, and he's a valuable asset to the team well beyond his production on the field.

However, for the time being, I think that these five teams are the most likely trade destinations for Votto.