Reds Legend Joey Votto Reveals Mount Rushmore of Hitters He Played Against

Who were the cream of the crop at the plate?

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) hits a double in the second inning of an MLB baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

There's a good chance that the 2026 Cincinnati Reds are going to look a lot different by the time this week ends.

After the team finishes up their series with the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday, it will be time for the front office to make some tough decisions regarding the roster as the trade deadline approaches.

You know who could really help this team right now? Joseph Daniel Votto. Prime Votto could possibly be the piece that could make this team competitive in 2026. Unfortunately, we don't get to live in a video game world.

Former Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Instead, Votto is enjoying retirement, and the baseball world is seeing a television star on the rise as the Reds legend has made waves during his recent visit to MLB Network.

During his latest trip to the network, Votto was asked to name the best hitters he played against during his career. Votto's Mount Rushmore of hitters he's played against is a pretty solid group of players.

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols (5) greets Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) in the first round during the 2022 Home Run Derby July 18, 2022 at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The list included St. Louis Cardinals legend Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels' Mike Trout, Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera, and New York Yankees star Aaron Judge.

Honestly, this is a near perfect list. Reds fans don't need the reminder, but for a decade, Pujols killed every team he went up against, especially the Reds.

Jul 17, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; American League outfielder Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees (99) and American League outfielder Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels (27) run to the dug out after the first inning in the 2018 MLB All Star Game at Nationals Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Trout and Judge have basically been the faces of the league during their generation. Although Trout has had the same issue as Votto, which is playing for a franchise that can't seem to get out of their own way.

Cabrera is a legend for two different franchises. While most see him as a Tigers star, and rightfully so, Cabrera also helped lead the then Florida Marlins to an unforgettable World Series victory over the New York Yankees in 2003.

Former Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

A lot of talented bats in that lineup. But let's not forget how special Votto was for the Reds. In 17 seasons with the Reds, Votto finished with a career batting average of .294.

If someone is batting .294 for the Reds today, the team would need to lock them up for the next 10 years with a massive contract extension.

Talking great bats and the Reds is a little bit of a sore subject at the moment. Votto's future has to be in broadcasting. But if he does get the itch to get into coaching, the Reds could desperately use a hitting coach.