Piecing together a trade proposal between the Reds and Rangers for Sonny Gray

What would it take for the Rangers to land Reds RHP Sonny Gray?

Our friends over at Nolan Writin' had the right idea; a prospect-heavy return is probably what the Cincinnati Reds are seeking in return for any of their top starters. But I think it'll take at least one Top 10 prospect in the Texas Rangers farm system in order to get the ball rolling.

While Josh Smith and Luisangel Acuña caught my eye, Maximo Acosta should be the Top 10 Rangers prospect that the Reds should target. An international signing out of Venezuela in 2019, Acosta already shows an advanced feel at the dish. The 19-year-old could likely play any position on the infield dirt or even move to center field if needed.

But Acosta alone won't be enough to move the needle. Reds GM Nick Krall would need to acquire a few more pieces in order to feel good about sending Sonny Gray to the Rangers. Staying with the prospect theme, perhaps the Reds could pry Ricky Vanasco away from the Lone Stars.

Vanasco underwent Tommy John surgery in the fall of 2020 and missed all of last season. But the right-hander, if healthy, can touch 99-MPH on the radar gun. Vanasco probably projects as a reliever at this point, but he could still be in the mix to be a back-of-the-rotation starter.

For good measure, the Reds should request one more piece in order to ship Gray out of the Queen City. With center field a veritable black hole for the Reds currently, Cincinnati should add Steele Walker to their wishlist. The former second-round pick is major league ready hitting .241/.308/.400 while splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A last season.

What do think, Reds Country? Would this be enough to ship Sonny Gray off to the Texas Rangers? Should Cincinnati expect more? Will the Reds even be interested in even dealing Gray after the MLB lockout? Only time will tell?