Three moves for Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason
By David Hill
A pair of extensions
As the Pittsburgh Pirates look to build their roster, they will need to identify pieces for their future. A pair of youngsters have made a case for long term extensions.
The Pirates had already approached Ke’Bryan Hayes about a long term extension in spring training. He wisely rebuffed those overtures, likely wanting to get a sense for the direction of the franchise going forward. However, he has indicated that he wants to stay in Pittsburgh, and may be open to those discussions now.
Hayes did not exactly light up the stat line during his rookie campaign, posting an 87 OPS+ in his 396 plate appearances, hitting six homers and 20 doubles while stealing nine bases. However, he showed more than enough to allow the Pirates to feel that he can become the player he was projected to be.
Bryan Reynolds is on the opposite end of the spectrum. After a miserable 2020 campaign, he posted a career best season in 2021. He produced a 146 OPS+ in his 646 plate appearances, hitting 24 homers and 35 doubles. Reynolds appears to be exactly the type of player that the Pirates need to build around.
And he absolutely should be. One of the first things the Pittsburgh Pirates need to do this offseason is to find out how much an extension for their two burgeoning stars will cost and make it happen.