Sources: Reds, Votto agree on extension

CINCINNATI - It's hard to believe but there is actually Reds news that is stealing the thunder from Opening Day this week.

Reds fans can stop conjuring up potential trades or ways to keep Joey Votto in Cincinnati beyond the 2013 season. The Reds and their first baseman reportedly agreed Monday on the framework of an extension that will keep the 2010 National League MVP in Cincinnati for years to come, according to ESPN.com .

Exact terms of the new deal have not been released, but a source tells ESPN that the deal is a 10-year, $225 million extension. It would be only the fourth time a baseball contract exceeded $200 million.

Votto, 28, confirmed to John Fay of the Enquirer that an extension is close. He told Fay "I can't comment till it's done. You'll have to ask Walt" (Jocketty, the team's General Manager).

The Reds have not commented on the news.

Votto is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2013 season. He's due $9.5 million this season and $17 million in 2013.

When Albert Pujols, 32, and Prince Fielder, 27, signed their huge free agent deals this offseason, many Reds fans thought it was only a matter of time until Votto would leave the organization who drafted him for greener pastures. However, the Reds' ownership expressed interest in keeping Votto in Cincinnati and made trades this offseason indicating they are trying to win immediately instead of years down the road.

Votto finished last season with a .309 batting average and 29 home runs. He's also becoming one of the better fielding first basemen in the majors.

News of the possible Votto extension could mean the end of another fan favorite. Brandon Phillips, who's scheduled to become a free agent after this season, has made it clear he wants to remain with the Reds, but not on a one or two-year deal. The two sides have reportedly discussed an extension, but the Votto contract may prevent the Reds from paying their second baseman the money he wants and using a large portion of the team's payroll on the right side of their infield.

But many people didn't think the Reds could afford to keep Votto long-term so it wouldn't surprise me if the Reds and Phillips also work something out.