Marlins Reportedly Still Interested in Bryan Reynolds

It has been six months since the Marlins called the Pirates expressing their interest in Pirates’ outfielder Bryan Reynolds at last year’s trade deadline. Half a year later, and Miami still is interested in acquiring the All-Star centerfielder, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

The Marlins have been on the hunt for a big bat in their outfield, so logically it makes sense to target Reynolds, who celebrates his 27th birthday on Thursday. Reynolds bounced back after a down 2020 to have a fantastic 2021 season that saw him start for the National League in the All-Star Games, become a finalist for a Gold Glove and finish 11th in the N.L. MVP race.

Obviously, the two sides haven’t been able to discuss a deal for almost two months since the lockout started in early December, and it is unclear how likely a potential deal is.

Miami has a few pieces that could pique the interest of Ben Cherington, including a crop of young Major League starters such as Pablo Lopez, Elieser Hernandez and a few others. Miami also has a well-regarded farm system that is made up of a mix of quality pitchers and position players.

Cherington and the Bucs’ front office have some familiarity with the Marlins’ system as the two clubs swung a four-player trade that sent catcher Jacob Stallings to Miami.

The asking price for Reynolds is rightfully high. The Bucs have no urgency to move Reynolds, who is under team control for four more seasons. It has even been speculated that the Pirates could even look to extend Reynolds, keeping him in the black and gold for even longer.

Once the lockout is finally over, the buzz surrounding Reynolds, whether that buzz is focused on trade discussions or extension talks, will be a story line to follow.