Pirates

Bryan Reynolds Still Wants Traded But Leaves Door Open for Pirates

Published

1 year ago

February 15, 2023

BRADENTON, Fla. – Bryan Reynolds has not changed his stance on requesting a trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, the center fielder also said he is still open to staying with the team on a long-term contract extension.

Reynolds met with the media Wednesday prior to the Pirates pitchers and catchers opening spring training with their first workout at Pirate City.

In December, Reynolds requested a trade when talks broke down over an extension. Reynolds would not confirm that he and the Pirates were $50 million apart as has been widely reported but did say most reports about the situation over the winter were accurate.

“Not getting too much into it, just a difference in opinion of… I don’t know, I guess what we viewed my worth is as a player, and that’s where we ended up.,” Reynolds said about what prompted his request.

However, Reynolds said he did not feel the situation would linger or cause any hard feelings. In fact, he spent most of the winter working with Pirates hitting coach Andy Haines in Nashville.

“I wanted to get down here early and get to work,” Reynolds said. “I wanted to have a semi-normal spring training for once. I don’t think it will be a distraction for me. I’m down here a week early and already starting to get my work going. Just going to focus on the same thing I always focus on. Just trying to be the best player and try to help us win and do whatever I need to.”

The Pirates have the upper hand in the situation. Reynolds is under contractual control through the 2025 season before he could become eligible for free agency.

Reynolds, 28, batted .262/.345/.461 in 145 games last season with 27 home runs and seven stolen bases – both career highs. He started in the 2021 All-Star Game during a season in which he hit .302/.390/.522 with 24 homers in 159 games.

While the sides seem far apart in the negotiations, Bryan Reynolds said his first preference is to work out a long-term contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“I think I’ve been pretty open these last few years that my No. 1 would be to sign an extension in Pittsburgh,” Reynolds said. “I want that to be a fair deal for both sides. Not one side or the other. Not a crazy player, not a crazy team deal. That’s always been my No. 1.”