Pittsburgh Pirates, Bryan Reynolds far apart in extension talks

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bryan Reynolds were never particularly close in extension talks. Now we know how far apart they truly were.

It was known that the Pirates offered Reynolds more than the $70 million extension that Ke’Bryan Hayes had signed, a deal that would have made Reynolds the highest paid player in franchise history. However, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette noted that the offer was approximately $50 million less than Reynolds had been looking for.

Pittsburgh Pirates, Bryan Reynolds not close in talks

That drastic difference in salary helps explain why Reynolds had requested a trade back in December. While the Pirates had said that they are not entertaining offers at the time, and Reynolds is still under team control for three more seasons, there have been some signs that they are at least willing to listen.

Considering that Reynolds is still that far from free agency, there is time for the two sides to work towards a long term deal. However, it is also noted that the two sides do not currently have plans to restart those extension talks, something that could make sense if Reynolds is seeking over $100 million in any new contract. As the Pirates are still rebuilding, and Reynolds would be on the wrong side of 30 when they ar ready to compete, giving him that type of deal may not make sense.

At the same time, he is easily their best trade chip. The Pirates are reportedly looking for top tier starting pitching for his services, something that they may be able to acquire. Moving on from Reynolds could move their rebuild along, getting them closer to contention. That gulf in terms of Reynolds’ asking price and what they are willing to offer could work out for the best.

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bryan Reynolds were never close on an extension. Now we know just how far apart the two sides really were.