This Reds' NL Central rival is rumored to have interest in trading for Juan Soto

The last thing the Cincinnati Reds want to see is Juan Soto in a Chicago Cubs uniform. But that could certainly be in play next season.

According Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Cubs intend to be very active this offseason, and that could include plucking the All-Star outfielder off the San Diego Padres roster.

Soto will be heading into the final season of his aribitration-window in 2024 before hitting the open market next winter. The Padres are said to be cutting costs this offseason, and Soto will be a popular target among rival executives.

This Reds' NL Central rival is rumored to have interest in trading for Juan Soto

Make no mistake, there's every reason in the world to believe that the San Diego Padres will hold on to Juan Soto this winter. After all, the Friars gave up a king's ransom in order to acquire the three-time All-Star from the Washington Nationals just over a year ago.

San Diego is likely to shed some payroll this offseason by moving on from Blake Snell and Josh Hader. And with Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Fernando Tatis Jr. on the roster, the Padres could decide to run it back with all their key pieces in place for a chance to make the playoffs in 2024.

The price to land Soto this offseason, though not as high as it was in 2022, will still be astronomical. So, if the Chicago Cubs, or any team for that matter, wants to secure Soto's services, it's going to cost a lot in return.

Another team that has entered the chat is the New York Yankees. That really shouldn't come as much of a surprise after a horrific season in the Bronx. There were reports earlier this week from Andy Martino of SNY, that the Yankees have had preliminary discussions about acquiring Soto.

The Cincinnati Reds will likely be active this offseason as well. Along with the Chicago Cubs, the St. Louis Cardinals are expected to upgrade their roster during the offseason. Buckle up, Reds Country, it's going to be a wild winter.