Perrotto: Only One Direction Pirates, Reynolds Can Go in Contract Talks (+)
The Pittsburgh Pirates made a major announcement on the day of their home opener last season.
They signed third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes to an eight-year, $70-million contract. The deal, which went into effect at the start of this season, is the most lucrative in club history.
That record is likely to be broken between now and the Pirates’ home opener on Friday when they play the Chicago White Sox at PNC Park.
Though both sides continue to haggle over the final details of a contract, the Pirates and left fielder Bryan Reynolds have come to an agreement on the financial terms of an eight-year, $106.5-million pact.
“You learn to never say never in baseball but I’d be really surprised if a deal isn’t made,” a source with direct knowledge of the negotiations told Pittsburgh Baseball Now late Friday night. “Both sides have been willing to comprise and bridge a significant gap. I would be hard-pressed to think it won’t get done now.”
The sticking point is that Reynolds wants an opt-out clause following the 2026 season.
The Pirates have never acquiesced to any player’s demand to opt out of a contract and don’t want to set a precedent by giving that right to Reynolds. Owner Bob Nutting is big on loyalty and believes a player should stay in Pittsburgh if the franchise is willing to commit significant dollars.
Reynolds’ camp wants the opt-out clause for a couple of reasons.
One is that Reynolds wants to be able to boost his earning potential if it turns out that the contract is tilted toward being club friendly. A quick survey of baseball people Friday night indicates Reynolds is giving the Pirates a hometown discount.
Secondly, he wants the opportunity to go to a contender if the Pirates’ rebuilding process does not work out over the next four seasons.
Reynolds asked the Pirates to trade him in December just before the start of the Winter Meetings. At the time, the negotiations had stalled after the Pirates offered six years and $75 million and Reynolds was sought eight years and $134 million.
However, Reynolds made it clear when he reported to spring training that his preference was to remain with the Pirates. Nutting and Reynolds had two very public conversations during early-camp workouts with the owner saying he wanted to make sure the player wasn’t insulted by the team’s initial offer.
That conciliatory went a long way toward Reynolds being willing to budge off his $134-million demand.
I’ve said all along that there was a deal to be made between the Pirates and Reynolds if both sides were willing to give in. Now, it is almost done.
It seems unlikely either side will turn back now.
Friday would seem like the perfect time to officially announce the contract.
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