It feels like we have been reading that the Pittsburgh Pirates are trying to extend a key player for months now, but here we go again.
“Hearing Pirates have been trying to extend star CF Bryan Reynolds. Opening day seems to be a deadline. No word yet on Oneil Cruz or other young players,” MLB insider Jon Heyman tweeted.
Hearing Pirates have been trying to extend star CF Bryan Reynolds. Opening day seems to be a deadline. No word yet on Oneil Cruz or other young players.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 28, 2023
At least we are getting a few new bits of information here: Opening Day seems to be a deadline, according to Heyman’s view.
He has been following the talks for a while, since the Pirates low-balled their star man with a six-year, $76 million offer several months ago.
Part of the reason behind Reynolds handing in a trade request is that offer.
Reynolds is obviously fond of the Pirates, but he understandably is more fond of himself and his family.
If he feels the best long-term deal for him is out there, it’s easy to see why he wanted to be traded.
Still, it appears the Pirates were much more serious after that offer, though.
We will believe it when we read an update by Heyman, Jeff Passan, Ken Rosenthal, or another trusted source saying that the Bucs actually completed an extension with their star man.
Locking up Reynolds would put Pittsburgh much, much closer to contention.
Trading him would, again, restart the clock and set them back at least a couple of years.
They need to retain the stars they develop, and Reynolds is no exception.
He is one of the few All-Stars on the roster and is easily worth $100 million, probably much more.
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