November 14, 2024

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Pirates: Reynolds’ trade request has ‘zero impact’ on plans

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds formally requested a trade on Saturday, prompting a response from the team, which isn’t likely to please the former All-Star. 

Per a release from Pirates (via Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette), it doesn’t sound like Reynolds will be on the move anytime soon. 

“While it is disappointing, this will have zero impact on our decision-making this off-season or in the future,” a spokesman from the Pirates said. “Our goal is to improve the Pirates for 2023 and beyond. With three years until he hits free agency, Bryan remains a key member of our team. We look forward to him having a great season for the Pirates.” 

Money may not be the motive for Reynolds wanting out of Pittsburgh. Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Pirates offered Reynolds a contract extension that would’ve made him the highest-paid player in the franchise’s history. 

If money isn’t the reason for Reynolds’ trade request, the chance to win might be. 

During Reynold’s four seasons in Pittsburgh, the team has failed to post more than 69 wins, losing 100 games twice. 

Meanwhile, the 24-year-old posted another productive season in 2022 and may believe his skills are going to waste on a team going nowhere. Last year, Reynolds batted .262/.345/.461 with 62 RBI and a career-high 27 home runs. 

The Pirates may seem unwilling to part with Reynolds, but he’s bound to receive attention from outfield-needy teams, and with MLB’s Winter Meetings beginning Monday in San Diego, things can change quickly. 

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as a suitor for Reynolds. Morosi adds the San Francisco Giants to the list if the team falls short in its pursuit of reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge and the New York Mets as an option if they don’t re-up Brandon Nimmo.