Joey Votto Says Trade Elly. Reds Fans Should Hope Nobody Listens.

Reds Country, the offseason just got its first real argument, and it came from one of the biggest names in franchise history.

Our Take: Joey Votto's point about payroll is fair, but you don't build a winner by shipping out the most electric player on the roster. Find a way to build around Elly De La Cruz instead.

Asked by A.J. Pierzynski on the "Foul Territory" podcast what he would do as the Reds' general manager, Votto didn't hesitate, per the Dayton Daily News: "I would trade Elly for as many prospects as possible to start."

His case is about money, not talent. "Elly's going to get $650 million," Votto said. "Are you going to give up a half or a third of your payroll on one player?" Votto continued. "It doesn't make sense."

He also made it clear he's a believer. "I love Elly," Votto said, adding, "He is a leader. He is a talent getting better. He is all five tools." He even used his own career as the example, saying the Reds "should have flipped me at year four and a half or a year at five" instead of keeping him on a long extension.

Here's the thing: Votto isn't running the team, and nothing in his comments says the front office is shopping De La Cruz. This is a legend's opinion, not a trade rumor.

What to watch: how the Reds spend this winter. If they add real depth around Elly, the trade talk fades. If they stand pat, this debate follows them all offseason.

Sources: Dayton Daily News, ClutchPoints