Perrotto: Does Appearance of Smoke Mean Fire in Bryan Reynolds Talks? (+)

BRADENTON, Fla. – The news of the day didn’t seem to be very big news. At least, on the surface.

The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported Friday that the Pittsburgh Pirates have renewed efforts to sign outfielder Bryan Reynolds to a long-term extension before they open the season next Thursday against the Reds in Cincinnati.

However, Reynolds downplayed the idea that he was close to a deal. And Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said, “I don’t have anything new to report.”

From the sounds of it, the two sides remain at a standstill since talks broke down in December and Reynolds requested a trade. That request has become a non-issue during spring training with Reynolds saying he is not upset with the Pirates and Cherington saying he wants to keep the 28-year-old.