Bryan Reynolds still wants out of Pittsburgh
A lot of the time in media, we make guesses about people and what they want based on a small amount of information. Not often do we have instances like Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds’ press interview on Wednesday.
Reynolds, 28, has wanted to be traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates for a hot minute. The veteran center fielder originally requested a trade on Dec. 3, 2022. Some were surprised he didn’t get traded during the trade deadline when the Pirates were out of it and teams were looking for center fielders.
He restated those feelings on Wednesday during a pre-Spring Training interview, when Kevin Gorman, a Pirates reporter, asked him about the trade request.
“Not getting too much into it, just a difference in opinion. I don’t know. I guess, what we viewed my worth as a player, and that’s where we ended up,” Reynolds said to Gorman. “Nothing has really changed from that front. I’ve wanted to get down here early and get to work… finally have a semi-normal Spring Training for once.”
Reynolds in 2022
Reynolds is verging on putting together an excellent career in MLB instead of maybe a couple of good seasons. The center fielder hit for more power in 2022, raking 27 home runs, the largest sum of his career. He sported a very strong .802 OPS as well.
While RBIs were down for Reynolds in 2022, he played in 145 games. He has tallied 130 or more games in three out of his first four seasons as a big leaguer.
Originally, when Reynolds requested to be traded, it was not out of disdain for the Pirates, who probably won’t be competing in the NL Central this year. In fact, I actually think he liked being on the Pirates and wanted to get a long-term deal done with them.
But as the Pirates have done in the past, they may have soiled their chances with Reynolds in negotiations, and he may seriously want out now.
Reynolds can really help a team win games. If that team is the Pittsburgh Pirates for the entirety of the 2023 season, I’d personally be surprised.
Who are potential suitors?
This brings into question: If not the Pirates, then who? Well, I think it could go in a few different directions. Wherever Reynolds is baited to, the price tag will be astronomically high for anyone to seriously make a run at him.
The first team that came to mind last summer was the New York Yankees. They ended up going in a different direction with Andrew Benintendi and Harrison Bader. Benintendi walked in free agency and Bader will man center field. Having Reynolds in left field makes way too much sense for New York. They would have to trade some farm capital, but it might be worth it to replace Aaron Hicks. If I’m Brian Cashman, I’m working tirelessly to pry Reynolds from the Black and Gold into Pinstripes.
While the Yankees are probably the best fit, other teams will be in the running if Pittsburgh does trade Reynolds away. Cleveland is looking to add power, the LA Dodgers might have an opening in CF and the New York Mets could get any player at any time.
This is absolutely screaming the New York Yankees’ name. I just have such a feeling about him ending up in the Bronx.
In any case, pay this man his money: he’s earned it. Wherever Reynolds ends up, I just hope he can provide a spark for a contender in 2023 and beyond.
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