Joey Votto's 2023 salary makes up almost half of the Reds entire payroll

Joey Votto made his triumphant return to the Cincinnati Reds this week and promptly deposited a ball into the seats on Monday night. Votto's two-RBI single later in that game proved to be the difference and helped the Reds capture their ninth straight victory.

In 2012, the Reds locked up their franchise star for the rest of his career as the two sides agreed to a 10-year/$225-million contract extension that includes a $20-million club-option for the 2024 season.

Now, 10 years later, Votto remains as the Reds highest-paid player. In fact, according to Spotrac, Votto's contract accounts for about half of the team's current payroll.

Joey Votto is making $25 million of the Reds $50 million-dollar active payroll

The Cincinnati Reds recently parted ways with Wil Myers, who was the team's second-highest paid player. Myers $6-million salary is now off the books, though Cincinnati will be on the hook for his $1.5-million buyout.

Another player receiving a hefty payday from the Reds despite not being on the roster is Mike Moustakas. After being designated for assignment during the offseason, the Reds still owe the veteran $18-million this season. The combined salary of Moustakas, Myers, Ken Griffey Jr., and Luis Cessa comes to about $31-million.

Joey Votto, in the final guaranteed year of his extension, is taking home $25-million this season. Are you reeady for this? The other 25 players currently on the Cincinnati Reds active roster account for right around $27-million. Among active players, Kevin Newman ($2.6-million) is the second-highest paid player on the team.

The idea of having one player account for essentially half of a team's active payroll while, at the same time, being about 15 years older than most of his teammates is comical.

Seeing how the Reds have done business of late, it may be a long time before Cincinnati fans see a contract like Votto's again. This lack of spending, however, doesn't mean anything except that the Cincinnati Reds have money to utilize at this year's trade deadline and during offseason.

Nick Krall spoke to the media on Tuesday and told Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer that the Reds are looking to contend this season.

We're in first place. We're looking to win. I think we want to do whatever we can for this team. We just need to continue to play well and see what's out there.

Regardless of what the Cincinnati Reds payroll is, the team is in first place in the National League Central Division, should be activating some injured players from the IL in short order, and may look to add at the trade deadline.