Report: Pirates seeking a Juan Soto-like return in trade for Bryan Reynolds

With just over a month until spring training, centerfielder Bryan Reynolds remains with the Pittsburgh Pirates after requesting a trade in December. According to the New York Post's Jon Heyman, we might have some clarity about why. 

Per Heyman, the Pirates are asking for the moon in exchange for the one-time All-Star. 

"One rival executive complained the Pirates are looking for a 'Juan Soto trade' for Bryan Reynolds, who seeks a way out of Pittsburgh," Heyman wrote. 

Heyman added that another executive believes Reynolds will stay put and remain with Pirates, with whom he's still under contract for three more seasons. 

The Pirates reportedly want at least three to four top prospects in a deal for Reynolds. For context, the Washington Nationals received shortstop C.J. Abrams, starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore and three top 20 prospects, including the No. 1 and No. 3 ranked players in the San Diego Padres system, for Soto last August. 

Regarding interest, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, while you can't count out the New York Yankees, the Texas Rangers are among the "most serious suitors." Morosi speculates that the Rangers have what the Pirates seek in a deal for Reynolds, namely several top 100 prospects. Morosi named three of the Rangers' top 10 prospects, Jack Leiter (No. 2), Owen White (No. 4), and Brock Porter (No. 6), as possible pieces that could interest the Pirates.

Reynolds formally asked the Pirates to trade him on December 3. The Pirates initially denied the request in a statement, calling Reynolds a "key member" of the team while adding, "we look forward to him having a great season for the Pirates." 

Despite a dismal 62-100 finish by the Pirates last season, Reynolds had another productive year. The 24-year-old batted .262/.345/.461 with 62 RBI and a career-high 27 home runs in 145 games. Over four seasons with Pittsburgh, Reynolds has slashed .281/.361/.481, driving in 239 runs while posting 74 homers.