MLB news and rumors: Bryan Reynolds, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox

It’s the first official day with a full slate of spring training games, so let’s take a look at the latest MLB news and rumors, including the Pittsburgh Pirates talking numbers with Bryan Reynolds, a St. Louis Cardinals pitcher working against the clock, and the Boston Red Sox taking a chance on a former Chicago White Sox slugger.

MLB news and rumors: Pittsburgh Pirates attempt to “bridge the gap” with Bryan Reynolds

There has been plenty of talk about which MLB teams may be in line to swing a deal with the Pirates for the All-Star outfielder (including our own thoughts here), but the franchise is trying to figure out a way to keep Reynolds with a long-term deal.

Bob Nutting, owner of the Pirates, seemed hopeful in this interview that his team and the 28-year-old outfielder could find middle ground on an extension with both sides reportedly far apart on what is wanted. Pittsburgh has reportedly offered a six-year, $80 million deal, while Reynolds has reportedly asked for eight years and $134 million.

“If there’s a way we can bridge the gap, we’re working hard to do that,” Nutting said.

St. Louis Cardinals news: Giovanny Gallegos working against the clock

With the pitch clock becoming a part of the MLB fabric this season, expect plenty of pitchers and hitters to need some adjustment time this spring to the new rules. That includes Cardinals reliever Giovanny Gallegos, who was supposed to see action on the mound during Saturday’s spring opener against the Washington Nationals. However, the 31-year-old right-hander will reportedly be held back in order to better work on his pitch timing under the new rules.

Boston Red Sox news: Daniel Palka inked to minor league contract

Daniel Palka, who played 154 games for the Chicago White Sox during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, has been signed to a minor league deal by the Red Sox, with the 31-year-old lefty hoping to show he can still hit at the MLB level.

Palka played right field, left field, and first base, and also served as Chicago’s designated hitter during his time with the team. He hit 27 home runs and drove in 67 during 449 plate appearances in 2018, but then plummeted back to the earth in 2019, striking out in 35 of his 93 plate appearances. He was eventually released by Chicago during the 2020 campaign, and has signed with the Nationals and New York Mets over the last two seasons, but never returned to an MLB roster with either team.