Votto cashes in with Reds By Sports Network

Joey Votto's breakout season in 2010 came just a year after he suffered from anxiety/depression issues. (QMI Agency File/Greg Henkenhaf)

CINCINNATI -- Joey Votto, the Most Valuable Player in the National League last season, has been rewarded by the Cincinnati Reds with a three-year, $38 million contract.

The pact covers the remaining arbitration years for the first baseman.

Votto, a native of Toronto, flirted with the Triple Crown for the NL Central-champion Reds in 2010 and finished second in average (.324), third in home runs (37) and third in RBI (113). He did, however, top the NL in on-base percentage (.424), slugging percentage (.600) and OPS (1.024). The 27-year-old also had 34 go-ahead hits, five more than other player in the majors.

Votto's breakout season came just a year after he suffered from anxiety/depression issues.

In three-plus seasons with the Reds, who selected the Canadian in the second round of the 2002 draft, Votto has compiled a .314 batting average with a .401 OBP, 90 home runs and 298 RBI.

The Reds still have three players eligible for arbitration in pitchers Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto and Bill Bray.