Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com hears that the Reds and Joey Votto are negotiating a 10-year extension that will include the two years on his existing contract. If true, the deal will carry him through the 2021 season. Votto, 28, will earn a total of $26.5 million through 2013 on the extension he signed last winter. Tim Dierkes and Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLB Trade Rumors reported earlier in the day Monday that the two sides were nearing an extension that "could surpass $200 million.

Joey Votto confirmed to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer that he's close to a long-term extension. "I can't comment till it's done," the 28-year-old first baseman said Monday afternoon. "You'll have to ask (general manager Walt Jocketty). It's a gray area." Tim Dierkes and Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLB Trade Rumors were first to report news of the deal, and are hearing that the total value "could surpass $200 million." Votto, the 2010 National League MVP, carries a fantastic .313/.405/.550 career slash line.

According to Tim Dierkes and Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLBTradeRumors.com, the Reds are nearing an extension with Joey Votto that "could surpass $200 million." It's absolutely massive news, and quite surprising given the Reds' status as a small-market team. Votto, 28, boasts a stellar .313/.405/.550 career batting line and finished the 2011 season with 29 homers and 103 RBI. More to come.

Joey Votto got back on track Sunday, earning a 3-for-4 effort against the White Sox. Three games after conceding that his slow spring was "just one of those" things, Votto has collected five hits in his last 11 at-bats. In the past seven games, he has raised his batting average from .138 to .275.

Joey Votto isn't concerned about his slow spring. Votto is hitting just .214/.313/.262 with zero home runs through 48 plate appearances. "I start slow, but it's taking longer than most years," Votto said. "But it's not for a lack of work. It's not for a lack of health. It's not for a lack of being determined or focused or whatever. It's just one of those years." Votto struggled for most of the spring in both 2010 and 2011 before going on to have monster regular seasons. He'll be ready to dominate come Opening Day.

Reds CEO Bob Castellini told FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi that there's ''a lot of interest'' in completing a new deal with Joey Votto. ''There's a lot of interest on our part,'' Castellini said. ''And I feel the same way on [his] part.'' Votto made it clear he has no plans to publicly discuss his contract situation, but it's widely expected that he'll command a salary that's cost prohibitive for the Reds. He's scheduled to earn $9 million this season and $17 million in 2013 before becoming a free agent.

Joey Votto said Friday that he has no plans to publicly discuss his contract situation. "I'm going to make it pretty simple for just about anybody," said Votto. "I'm going to leave all that to the Reds front office and my agent and myself. I will try to keep it as private as possible. I don't think it's fair to the fans. I don't think it's fair to myself. It's certainly not fair to the team for any of that type of stuff to creep into the season and become a distraction. I plan to make some sort of comment if I happen to sign an extension with the Reds or if I happen to get to the point where I get to free agency." Votto, 28, is set to earn $9 million in 2012 and $17 million in 2013 before becoming a free agent.

Joey Votto told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com at Redsfest on Friday that he isn't ready to talk about a contract extension. "There might be a time and place but we're not even close," said Votto. "I mentioned this last year. I have two more years on my deal. Some guys get antsy to sign extensions. Some guys don't and I am one of those guys. Even if they traded me to another team, it doesn't matter where I am, I am not in a rush. I don't like doing that. I am perfectly fine waiting." Votto, 28, is set to earn $9 million in 2012 and $17 million in 2013 before becoming a free agent. While the 2010 NL MVP looks like he'll eventually make himself available for the highest bidder, Reds general manager Walt Jocketty has repeatedly said that he has no current plans to trade him.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said Tuesday that he has no plans to trade Joey Votto this winter. To the contrary, Jocketty said his goal is to sign Votto to a contract extension within the next year. The 28-year-old is set to earn $9 million next season and $17 million in 2013 before becoming a free agent.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said Monday that he has no plans to trade Joey Votto. Buster Olney of ESPN.com reported over the weekend that the Reds were prepared to listen to offers for the 2010 NL MVP, but Jocketty emphatically denied those claims Monday. "We haven't talked about it. I wish that people would stop writing it," said Jocketty. "Why would we trade one of the best players in the game? We're trying to win." Votto, 28, is set to earn $9 million in 2012 and $17 million in 2013 before becoming a free agent.