At this point in the MLB offseason, it’s becoming more and more evident that potential difference-makers are not really available.
Most quality free agents have signed at this point, and the most obvious trade candidates have already switched teams.
Except for one.
The Pittsburgh Pirates‘ Bryan Reynolds remains perhaps the only player available capable of “moving the needle” for contenders.
He could be had via trade, since he has three additional team control years remaining.
ESPN’s Buster Olney offered some insight on Reynolds’ future.
“Some rival evaluators believe that the Pirates will keep Bryan Reynolds into the season, largely because they don’t think his market value will change much before the trade deadline. But they do strongly expect he’ll be dealt sometime this summer, despite the no-trade request,” he tweeted.
Some rival evaluators believe that the Pirates will keep Bryan Reynolds into the season, largely because they don't think his market value will change much before the trade deadline. But they do strongly expect he'll be dealt sometime this summer, despite the no-trade request.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 13, 2023
Olney actually meant “despite his trade request,” handed to the Pirates several weeks ago.
Reynolds has a career .842 OPS and has 51 home runs in the last two seasons, so he is capable of making an immediate impact on a contender.
He can play every position in the outfield, too.
In reality, his value should not change much from here until around the trade deadline.
If they don’t trade him before the deadline, however, his value will surely take a hit.
While a deal before the season is looking unlikely at this point, you can bet he will be wearing another club’s uniform in August.
The Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees want him, and other organizations will surely join the push ahead of the deadline.
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