3 hypothetical Reds trade packages for Rays pitcher Tyler Glasnow

It appears as though there might be some traction for a potential blockbuster trade between the Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays. According to a source, the Reds are interested in acquiring Rays starter Tyler Glasnow.

In that same report, which was shared to social media by MLB.com's Mark Sheldon, the Rays are said to be seeking an MLB-ready starter. And that's where it would seem that Cincinnati and Tampa Bay line up rather well.

So, keeping in mind that the Reds are looking for a frontline starter and the Rays are seeking controllable, young pitching, what type of trade package might president of baseball operations Nick Krall be able to piece together in order to secure Glasnow's services for the 2024 season?

1. Reds trade high-upside starter for Tyler Glasnow and bullpen help

I'll be honest, of three the hypothetical trade packages, this is my least favorite. Having said that, it's important to understand that it takes two sides to make a trade. In order to get a pitcher like Tyler Glasnow, the Cincinnati Reds will have to give up something of value.

Is parting with Brandon Williamson too much to ask? Maybe, but it's probably where the Tampa Bay Rays will start. Just like the Reds, the Rays are always on the hunt for value. A left-handed starter with five years of team control certainly checks that box.

This would, of course, weaken the Reds roster as it's assumed that Williamson will be in line to be part of the Cincinnati starting rotation next season. However, like so many young players before him, Williamson could very easily fall into that sophomore slump and be relegated back to the minors.

Much like Jonathan India in the Reds infield, Brandon Williamson seems like the odd-man out in the Reds starting rotation. Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, and Andrew Abbott all have the upper hand at the moment, and the front office and coaches are very high on Connor Phillips.

If I were NIck Krall, in order to part with Williamson, I'd have to have two assurances. First, much like the Reds did with Sonny Gray in 2019, Cincinnati would need to sign Glasnow to a contract extension before executing the trade. The right-hander is already owed $25 million next season.

Second, the Rays would need to sweeten the pot just a touch. With the Reds also looking to bolster the bullpen, perhaps throwing in a player like Andrew Kittredge would help. The reliever underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, but returned last season and posted some solid numbers.