Elly also watched Joey Votto—a Hall of Fame-caliber Red if there ever was one—spend a decade carrying rosters that never got serious about a ring. If the front office couldn’t (or wouldn’t) build a winner around Votto, what faith should Elly have that they’ll do it for him?

The Cincinnati Reds are hoping to ink star Elly De La Cruz to a long-term deal, but the team isn't progressing towards a new contract right now.