Bryan Reynolds not leaving Pittsburgh Pirates any time soon
By David Hill
The center field position is not exactly littered with stars when it comes to free agency. Aside from Starling Marte, no one on the market that would be able to play center would qualify as a game changer. As such, it is not a surprise that teams are exploring the trade market to find a center fielder, targeting Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds.
But that does not mean that the Pirates are going to trade Reynolds. According to reports, not only are the Pirates disinclined to trade their All Star outfielder, but they are hoping to sign him to an extension.
#Pirates All-Star CF Bryan Reynolds is drawing significant interest in the trade market, with the #Yankees and #Mariners among potential suitors, but the team feels no pressure to move him. He won’t be a free agent until after 2025, and an extension remains possible. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 11, 2021
Pittsburgh Pirates not interested in trading Bryan Reynolds
Reynolds had a breakout season in 2021. He posted a .302/.390/.522 batting line in his 646 plate appearances, hitting 24 homers and 35 doubles while tying for the major league lead with eight triples. Not only did he increase his walk rate to 11.6%, but he slashed his strikeout rate to just 18.4%.
More Pirates. Remembering Bob Bailey. light
Given that production, it is not a surprise that Reynolds would be a hot commodity on a hypothetical trade market. He would instantly become the second best center fielder available, and with his ability to play all three outfield positions, could slot anywhere he was needed. Add in his years of team control and he is the type of player that any team would want.
That includes the Pirates. At some point, they are going to be looking to move on from their rebuilding process. Keeping those players that can be a part of the future core is vital to that happening, and the success of the franchise moving forward.
Reynolds can be exactly that. As he continues to establish himself as a star, he will be someone that the Pirates need to keep if they have any hopes to contend in the somewhat near future. He is just entering his prime, and with those years of team control, there is plenty of time to hammer out an extension.
Pirates match 19th century mark for futility. dark. Next
Bryan Reynolds is a hot commodity on the trade market. He is also key to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ future, which is why he is not going anywhere.