Juan Soto rumors: Best trade package for every NL Central team

Juan Soto rumors: Cincinnati Reds best trade package

Stop laughing. Seriously, stop laughing.

The Cincinnati Reds indicated that they were far from devoted to compete this season. Their main departures were trading Jesse Winker to the Seattle Mariners and allowing Nicholas Castellanos to enter free agency, where he ultimately signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. At this trade deadline, they are likely to deal pitcher Luis Castillo and potentially Tyler Mahle.

But what if they decide they want to use their funds on signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking deal? Again, stop laughing.

If the Reds were actually thinking about pulling off a trade for the Reds, they would have to part ways with their top prospects in the farm. So, that includes Nick Lodolo, Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Brandon Williamson, all of whom rank as Top 75 prospects by MLB Pipeline.

Juan Soto rumors: Pittsburgh Pirates best trade package

The Pittsburgh Pirates have spent time building up their farm system, and they are already over halfway to their 2021 win total of 61. They do have the depth in the pipeline to make a potential big splash move for Soto, but it will not be cheap.

They have the prospects to offer in catcher Henry Davis, second baseman Nick Gonzales and right-handed pitcher Quinn Priester. While that is a strong offer, it is hard to envision the Nationals not asking for 23-year-old shortstop Oneil Cruz.

This is not to say the Pirates will actually consider trading Cruz, but they may have to if they want Soto badly enough.