MLB rumors: Bryan Reynolds “locked in” with Pittsburgh Pirates … for now
When the shocking news dropped during MLB winter meetings that Reynolds had not only requested a trade, but made that request public, there were plenty of questions about just how long the 28-year-old All-Star outfielder would be a part of the team. On Wednesday, he showed up at Pittsburgh’s spring training site ready to get to work, but also with plenty of clouds hanging over his future in the Steel City.
Two months after asking the Pirates to trade him, OF Bryan Reynolds has reported to spring training camp — and his position remains the same. pic.twitter.com/RbtEpi2PLf
— RobBiertempfel (@RobBiertempfel) February 15, 2023
Reynolds made it clear on the first day of camp that he wants to sign an extension that is fair to both him and the Pirates and remain in Pittsburgh. He also expressed his emotions about not having a deal done yet and his name being a part of trade rumors for months on end.
It’s likely that those rumors will continue until the Pirates make clear what direction they are heading. If it’s with Reynolds, there has to be a sizable contract extension in the future. If it isn’t, the Pirates will likely get a sizable return back for his services. However, in the past, any talk of a Reynolds trade has had a price tag that discourages other teams from continuing the conversation.
Simply put, Pittsburgh either needs to raise the salary for Reynolds with an extension or lower the demands from other teams. Right now, in the middle of those two paths, one of the faces of the Pirates franchise is obviously not pleased very early in camp.