Few players who could plausibly be moved this summer would be as impactful a pickup as Bryan Reynolds. The Pirates center fielder isn’t performing at quite his star level from last season, but he’s having another well above-average campaign. Through 335 plate appearances entering play Friday, Reynolds owns a .257/.337/.463 line with 15 home runs, 10 doubles and a trio of stolen bases.
Controllable for another three-plus seasons, there’d be no shortage of interest if the Bucs make him available over the coming weeks. Jon Heyman of the New York Post lists the Yankees, Marlins, Phillies, Padres and Mariners among the teams likely to gauge his availability. There are no surprises among that group, as all five are known to be in the hunt for outfield help and/or have made unsuccessful attempts to pry Reynolds away in the past.
New York has relied on Aaron Judge in center field to great results, but they’ve grown dissatisfied with the continued struggles of Joey Gallo and (to a lesser extent) Aaron Hicks in the corners. They could eye Reynolds either to plug directly into left field or as a center field option capable of kicking Judge back to right. Miami and Philadelphia have direct needs in center field and figure to inquire about various possibilities at the position; the Fish have been linked to Oakland’s Ramón Laureano as well.
San Diego has holes in both corner spots and has watched center fielder Trent Grisham flounder for most of the year. Seattle may have the most robust outfield of any of the reported Reynolds suitors, but Jarred Kelenic struggled enough to be optioned to Triple-A and they’ve not gotten the production they’d anticipated from Jesse Winker or Mitch Haniger this season (the latter on account of injuries).
The quintet, of course, would certainly be joined by other suitors if the Pirates actively shopped Reynolds. Pittsburgh, however, has set a justifiably lofty asking price both at last summer’s deadline and over the winter. That makes him a longshot to actually change hands, and Heyman notes in a separate piece that it remains “unlikely” the Bucs will find a compelling enough offer to make a move.
That may also be true of star closer David Bednar, whom Heyman floats as a possible trade candidate. One of five players the Pirates acquired in the January 2021 Joe Musgrove deal, Bednar has emerged as one of the sport’s best late-inning weapons. Since landing in Pittsburgh, the right-hander has posted a 2.26 ERA while holding opponents to a .187/.255/.321 line in just shy of 100 frames. That includes 39 innings of 2.31 ERA ball this season, with Bednar punching out more than a third of batters faced and likely to earn his first All-Star nod.
The 27-year-old comes with even more club control than Reynolds, as he’s slated to remain in Pittsburgh through 2026. Bednar won’t reach arbitration-eligibility until the 2024 campaign, so there’s no financial pressure for the Bucs to make a deal. Needless to say, they’d have to be blown away by a package to pull the trigger on a Bednar trade as well.
One player the Bucs are virtually assured of trading is starter José Quintana. The veteran southpaw is having a solid bounceback season after signing a $2MM free agent deal over the winter. He’s a sensible back-end rotation target for teams seeking pitching help, and the Bucs have already fielded hits from contenders. As an impeding free agent on a team that won’t come anywhere near the postseason, he’s as good a bet as any player in the league to change uniforms over the next few weeks.
Quintana suggested he’s not dwelling on the possibility of being dealt, saying he’s “(staying) focused on one start at a time” (link via Rob Biertempfel of the Athletic). He acknowledged a move was a possibility, but indicated he’d be open to returning to Pittsburgh in free agency next winter. “For sure, I want to come back here. But I think it’s too soon to talk about that. I want to keep my eyes focused on this season, one start at a time.” Nothing would preclude the Bucs from reengaging with Quintana’s representatives during the offseason if/when he’s dealt this month, but this season’s solid 3.33 ERA/3.96 SIERA make it likely he’ll land a loftier guarantee (and perhaps a two-year commitment) if he continues to pitch well down the stretch.
He has three-and-a half seasons of control, so he won’t come cheap. No reason for the Pirates to move him unless they’re blown away. Not convinced he’s a CFer though long term.
You maybe right, but that’s a problem for a different day.
anyone who knows how the Pirates front office manages the roster, trading players that they will still have control over from 2-4 years, trading both Reynolds and Bednar, isn’t on their radar.
Regarding them giving Hayes a huge long term contract with his inability to improve his offense, I partially blame Shelton for batting him lead off.
He’s so pressed to get on base, he consistently swings at pitches far out of the strike zone.
If he was pressed to get on base wouldn’t he take those pitches in hopes of drawing a walk?
Not many guys in late 20s are a cf long term.
I agree with you on hayes leading off. He should be batting third. Another problem is Reynolds batting second….he should be clean up. Shelton needs to be fired
Pirates need to DFA VanMeter and call up Ji Hwan Bae to play second everyday. Bat Bae leadoff, Hayes second, Reynolds third.
I’m not the biggest Reynolds fan, but at a certain point, the Bucs have to start keeping their controllable players (like Reynolds and Bednar) and start building around them.
Not if they are planning on building around Hayes and Cruz. (Not to even more toon other top prospects like Davis, Gonzalez, Priester.etc).
Reynolds and Bednar are both expendable because the Buccos would have to pony up to keep them for their next “window.”
Bryan Reynolds…..Jon Heyman.
Will it ever end?
They haven’t traded them yet and they won’t unless the offer is great. I wouldn’t want to extend Reynolds so he needs to be traded at some point. I say get it over with if the price is right. And you can always find relievers. If you can turn a reliever into a potential regular or starter go for it.
Reynolds would look great in Philly
He might end on the Mets though. Francisco Alvarez could be the best chip to trade and he’d get Pirates attention.
Pirates already have a top line catching prospect, I don’t see them trading for Alverez. I have a feeling Alverez could go to the Cubs for Contreras.
Bednar and Reynolds are players Pittsburgh is building around and won’t be traded, at this time.
Haha. They won’t be around by the time this team is really competitive. They will both be dealt at some point
I don’t think any of us will be around at that point either.
There does come a point when a team has to stop trading all their good players and decide to build around a core, but they have to believe they’re close. Certainly Reynolds can be part of the next good Pirates team. He also might be the best chance for a big haul to build that next good team.
Building around a closer is a silly notion. Teams don’t need a high end closer until the games they play actually mean something. The Pirates are a good ways away from that point.
They are building around there farm system. They aren’t extending Reynolds so not much of a build with 3 and half years. Anytime the Pirates can get mote value they will trade that player.
I do no believe Reynolds will extend whether he remains a Pirate or gets traded. He will be heading into his age 31 season when he is FA eligible. That will be his only chance to chase a huge deal assuming he is healthy. He will not extend.
Like I keep saying no way Bryan Reynolds ends up on the Yankees. If the Pirates trade him they will need someone that is desperate for a centerfield in order to get their steep asking price. The Yankees have Judge, Hicks, and Florial they are Not desperate for a CF.
Reynolds would be a great fit for the Yanks. No guarantee Judge will be there next year, Hicks is a defensive liability in CF (which is why he’s been bumped to LF), and Florial can’t even hit AAA pitching. I don’t think it’s going to happen but he would be an excellent addition.
Oops. Florial IS hitting well in AAA this season so maybe he’s still an option. But I’d still rather have Reynolds.
First, the Bucs are likely to ask the Yankees for far too much to make Reynolds a Yankee as if they trade him, they’ll likely take a lesser package from somebody else……secondly, there is no way that Judge does not remain with the team, as the Yankees will realize that he undoubtedly is the face of the franchise and will come up with a number in $ and years to make that happen. Thirdly, while not a Hicks fan, he is NOT a liability in center field….just doesn’t cover the same ground as he once did, but certainly not a “liability” as you claim…..and lastly, it’s a probability that Florial, while not able to crack the Yankees lineup, would start in center for several major league teams looking to go cheap and young with a good glove and league average offense (if given consistent enough at bats) over the course of a season…..
I hate to say it, but Judge plays a solid CF. Kudos to him
Badfinger,
Florial is hitting over 300 with an OPS over 800 at Scranton. He can certainly hit AAA pitching and he’s a better defensive CF than Bryan Reynolds. Admittedly AAA pitching and major league pitching are quite different. My point was that there is virtually no chance the Yankees will acquire Reynolds from Pittsburg! They have depth in CF and quality if you consider Judge a CF. Philadelphia, on the other hand, has neither quality or quantity in CF. There are other teams as well in far greater need than the Yankees for a centerfielder.
Don’t forget the Pirates also have Ben Gamel, who could be a trade chip capable of bringing in a prospect or two. Kevin Newman may also be a decent option for someone once he returns if he can put something together.
There’s one other piece who could bring something back, and that’s Daniel Vogelbach. If someone’s lefty DH goes down anytime soon, he could be dealt.
Chris Stratton, Yoshi Tsutsugo, Jake Marisnick, and Josh Van Meter should all be gone, but none will likely bring much. None of these guys figure to be long term pieces.
(of the other guys I mentioned, the only one I could see back next year is Newman, if only to hold down 2B for a year…Gamel wouldn’t be a bad 1B option but Bligh Madris can also play there)
Not even Newman Castillo Bae or topicania will be the everyday 2nd basemen. They might flip a few middle infield prospects for pitchers. They need lhp badly. The big club needs a right handed lefty masher
Acura Dude,
Far better chance the Yankees acquire Gamel than Reynolds.
The Yankees don’t need Gamel’s 107 OPS+ and 0.6 bWAR when they have Hicks’s 106 OPS+ and 1.0 bWAR already under contract. If Outs Above Average says anything valid, Hicks is a much better fielder, too. Only three left fielders rank higher in OAA than Hicks. Gamel’s rank is in the negative range.
how about trading Van Meter and Yoshi. Neither can hit while Van Meter can’t field
The Mariners offer Andrew Knapp for Van Meter and an extra catcher’s mitt.
Just what contenders are looking for. Guys who can’t hit or field. And you never seen Yoshi play if you think he can field. VanMeter is a gold glove compared to Yoshi.
Pirates are buyers
Bumgarner on his way to Pittsburgh
NLCS is guaranteed then.
Unless some ridiculous offer comes along – Angels: “We’ll give you Trout and Ohtani” – the Pirates aren’t going to move either player. In fact, Pittsburgh finally seems to want to get back into contention by bringing up some of the minor league talent they’ve been stockpiling.
They would have no interest in extending Ohtani and they definitely don’t want Trouts contract. That’s a easy no unless they can do a 3 team trade and get prospects.
Pirates made the wrong decision and gave the money to Hayes who has been average at best as a hitter. Reynolds should have been the main guy. They need to trade or release half the veterans on the team like Gamel, Vogelbach, Van Meter, Yoshi, and others but most have no trade value. Team looked good against the dodgers and others when the young guys were playing. They do need to find some starting pitching and some right handed batters too.
twitter.com/ballsandgutters/status/154549628237814…
Agree completely. And regarding the gist of the article, I’m sure hoping Cherington doesn’t trade Reynolds or Bednar. They’re going to struggle for a couple more seasons but you have to hope they are committed to steady improvement with the kids. Those two getting shipped out for more prospects would equate to again to a rebuilding process that has no end
I see trading Bednar or Reynolds through a different lens. I think they are and probably should be the last big pieces to trade away and finish the rebuild. I would certainly be looking to move Bednar at the deadline. His value will never be higher and teams pay big in prospects for shutdown relievers at the deadline.
I admittedly would like to see them keep a hometown kid. Maybe it doesn’t mean a great deal in most cities these days but Pirates brass seem to understand it does here, given their continuing marketing of Bednar and his roots
My only problem with your thinking is that they have relatively few guys who you can say “have arrived”. These two have, and the jury is still out on the rest of the kids
So in effect, what you will be doing is opening up two large holes where there once were strengths. And you are simply prolonging this incredibly long rebuilding process.
Only problem is it would take twice as much to extend Reynolds. Hayes was team friendly. Reynolds would be risky.
Reynolds is never going to extend due to his,age. If he extends he lose his best FA opportunity as he,will,be heading into his age 31 season when he is FA eligible
Reynolds for Max Meyer, JJ Bleday, Jose Salas (or Victor Mesa Jr) and Zach McCambley. Who says no?
It would start with Perez. But why would the Marlins trade prospects, they need to collect them, too.
Doesn’t need to start with Perez and it won’t ever start with Perez for any player, IMO.
They need CF and could afford to part with some good prospects to fill that need.
Reynolds might have gotten the Pirates Perez this past offseason, but by the time the Pirates stop pretending they stand a chance of extending Reynolds, they won’t have a shot at Meyer either.
I don’t believe the Bucs think that they can extend Reynolds. They are right for the high ask now, if he continues to perform he will still command a high ask next this time next year.
I believe the Marlins already did and would again.
The Hayes deal does seem like a head-scratcher, $70 million for a career .733 OPS (.671 this year). Okay, he’s got a good glove but glove-first infielders are available at a lot less money. Spending on Reynolds probably would make more sense.
That’s a fair contract for that and if hos wrist would have or does get back to near it’s theft.
Any trade with the Yankees involving Reynolds will start with Volpe bc they should. And the Yankees will say no unless the Pirates include some high-ceiling prospects. Then they may ask for Montgomery…
Not too many players in the league worth volpe and none if them are on the pirates
I think the Yankees can get Reynolds by using a mixture of pitching prospects from A and A+ ball. No need to add Volpe and Jasson Dominguez.
BTV can tell everyone here what kind of package it will require for a team to obtain Reynolds. I find it amusing that everyone here conveniently ignores that fact and insists that their top prospects are worth more than Reynolds. THEY AREN’T. Reynolds is more valuable than any single prospect in baseball. He will start with any team’s best prospect, unless a team has 3 other top 100 in the 50-100 range.
It’s quite funny to me as well. Most people that post trade proposals would benefit from perusing MLBTV. Is it perfect no it’s not but when it’s all said and done it’s usually pretty close when a trade goes down and when it looks like a head scratcher then the model usually says that too.
It makes me giggle when fans of their favorite team want an Allstar centerfielder with years of control but say our top prospects are off limits. I happen to believe that Reynolds, while not guaranteeing the Yankees win a championship, would make them an absolute handle maybe there only weakness. He is a guy that could seal the deal for the Yankees.
With all that said you aren’t getting a player like that without moving your top prospect or two. Volpe ia in AA there is a chance e he busts completely there is also a higher chance that Dominguez completely busts. Those are just facts about prospects in general even high end ones sometimes don’t make the leap to the big leagues. That is why a guy like Reynolds who has already proved he can hack it against big league pitching is way more valuable then a prospect but we get so worked up about prospects that the pendulum has swung way over to the other side.
Well fans are inherently bad. Some way more than others which is evident in these type of threads.
YBC,
I know you love Reynolds, but the Pirates aren’t stupid. They are going to take the best offer they get or keep him and build around him. There are SEVERAL teams in greater need in center field than the Yankees, surely one of them will put together a better package than the Yanks. I think David Peralta has the best chance to be acquired at the deadline. Low price, good left fielder, veteran, and a good left handed hitter. He would almost certainly be just a rental. The Yankees have to come up with a lot of money for Judge and for Taillon this off season. Just trying to be a realist old friend!
@Mickey I hear ya! I like Reynolds but I don’t think the Yankees should empty the farm for him. The Pirates will demand it. The deadline is approaching so the Yankees will naturally be involved in every trade rumor. If they manage to pry Reynolds away, Judge is almost certainly gone after the season. And I want him to stay. Overall offense is not a weakness and the team doesn’t need to win 115 regular season games. Also JD and Hicks appear to be turning it around.
Remember when the Seattle CEO admitted they were keeping Kelenic down on the farm to maximize their control, and everyone freaked out proclaiming “he’s ready!”, criticizing the CEO because they knew better as fans reading the op-ed pages, and then the CEO lost his job? (yes, he “resigned” insert eyeroll)
Good times.
“….they were keeping Kelenic down on the farm to maximize their control, and everyone freaked out proclaiming “he’s ready!”
Remember it like it was 2 weeks ago…..
Woops – think I confused Kelenic the immortal Oneil Cruz (did you know he can throw the ball over 100 mph!).
Alas, so many prospects it’s hard to stay abreast of the superstars dropping 2-3 times a week.
Ceo also proclaimed Kelenic as a stud.
Shelton needs fired
If they have another Clay Holmes they would like to dump, the Astros will take him 🙂
The rookie they got for Holmes just hit his 10th HR tonight.
Reynolds and Bednar to Dodgers for Pages and Pepiot and Gruteral plus 1 or 2 lower level prospects.
Taylor is hurt so Reynolds slides into LF easily and when Taylor comes back he can be super utility again as he has in the past.
The Dodgers while stacked every season only have the one title in the shortened season where many people don’t consider it to be legit. Some do including myself but some simply don’t believe it was legit.
This may be their last chance before Turner is a FA to win it all. Their pitching won’t be an issue with May and Buehler coming back soon.
This helps them now and gives the bullpen a boost.
Pirates would get Pages who is just about MLB ready and would be an upgrade immediately in Pittsburg. Pepiot gives the Pirates another good young arm to go along with Priester and Keller who hasn’t lived up to his hype but is still very young.
Graterol can be groomed for closer role in Pittsburgh where they are rebuilding and he won’t be under as much pressure to close games.
Throw in a couple low level prospects to balance the deal.
This helps both teams now and later.
Going to take a lot more than that to get Reynolds AND Bednar. No doubt the ask would include Miguel Vargas, one of Miller/Pepiot, and 3-4 others.
Who is the top prospect on the Dodgers? That’s who would be going to the Pirates with Pepiot and Pages. And that’s just for Reynolds.
Good point just realized Reynolds is controlled for a few more years….it would take Pages and Graterol and Pepiot plus one or two other prospects just for Reynolds….good call Donny….
Donny – Reynolds and any reliever does not move the needle enough for the Dodgers to give up that much equity. Maybe a team not as deep as LA would do it. Dodgers have enough in house depth to cruise into the playoffs. I also will point out the Treinen, Kahnle, and May are all due back next month and help for the playoffs.
With that being said, Andrew Friedman goes on record every year saying that if he sees a deal that will help the team either now, or for the future, he is not opposed to make a deal.
I think Pages gets a shot next year, at least some playing time, with the big club. Do not be surprised if the Dodgers trade Bellinger in the off season or flat out non-tender him. (Unless he has a complete reversal in the 2nd half this year)
Pirates can care less about mlb ready and definitely don’t want mlb. They want your highest upside prospects that are painful to give up.
Odd facts. Joey Gallo rocks and is batting .708 on line drives. Otherwise, he is awful (being kind) in every other category except when batting 7th.
I think AJP will offer Hassell III + Campusano + Wethers….or CJ Abrams + Campusano + Knehr with perhaps a 4th spec (lower ranked lotto ticket type).. kind of an overpay…but SDP is in dire straights with their OF ..even before Profars injury
If he is traded SD is likely destination. They overpay frequently.
You mean like France, Trammell, Torrens, and Andres Munoz for Austin Nola and two relievers no longer in their system?? I guess AJ really really wanted that trade to get over the hump. Thank you Padres for your generosity and munificence, I will try to remember you in my prayers tonight.
The Blue Jays could use both Bednar and Reynolds. Our bullpen sucks and Bednar has been dynamite so far this year. They also need a left-handed, middle of the order bat. Reynolds would be a perfect fit. He could play center when Springer DHs (which seems to be half the time lately) and either LF or RF the rest of the time, with either Gurriel or Hernandez DHing.
C’mon, why exactly would they trade a closer like theirs? Make some realistic proposals.
Speaking of trading for a closer.
I remember vividly from just 3 years ago, the Dodgers were all over Felipe Vazquez. The challenge was that the Pirates wanted Gavin Lux. Andrew Friedman held firm despite the dismay of pundits and many fans (myself included).
Sometimes the best trades are the ones that are not made.
Vazquez was a bad man. In all senses of the term.
“why exactly would they trade a closer like theirs?”
I bet Felipe Vazquez and Richard Rodriguez can think of a couple reasons.
Closer is the most volatile and rarely used position in baseball. Reynolds is the more unlikely piece to move imo
If I were the Pirates I don’t trade Reynolds or Bednar, they are going to be very competitive next year . With Hayes, Cruz , Davis, Rodriguez, Bednars Sumolski , and some very good young pitchers. Trade Quintana,,Gamel Chavis and go from there.
They will be competitive with or without Bednar. They have young arms to replace him. Reynolds would be a bigger loss but not season destroying.
Jimbob – Chavis would seem to be a good candidate to get moved. He can play around the infield and hits left handed pitching well.
Add to that, his numbers say that he is decent in clutch situations, I could see him going to a contender looking to bolster their lineup against left handed pitching.
The Mariners have ample pieces for a trade involving Reynolds…Jerry could do Jerred Kelenic and Emerson Hancock or Noelvi Marte and Emerson Hancock for him. I don’t see those other teams coming up with a better offer.
It would take all three plus a couple more. That’s if the Pirates don’t think Kelenic is post-hype already.
If I am Dipoto….I hold Marte and deal Kelenic and Hancock….but that won’t get Reynolds….more pieces need to be involved….
He ain’t getting moved for anything less than multiple top 50 prospects
You might end up wrong and disappointed.
What is interesting is that those Yankees who have been mention in trade circles seem to be playing with some urgency lately. AKA Hicks and Gallo. They are well aware if they are moved that Brian won’t be able to protect them.
Maybe they could be breaking out of prolonged slumps, particularly Hicks, that even superstars endure. “Oh no, I may be getting traded so I better play better!” You really buy that? And what exactly is Cashman protecting grown-ass men from?
The opportunity to get top of the market value for them makes it an easy decision.
Trade them and add the haul plus the upcoming draft to your prospect pool and you’ve set yourself up for sustained small market success.
Agreed. The Pirates know first hand (Felipe Vazquez) of what can happen if you hold on to a player too long when you don’t really need to.
Nonsense. At what point in time does the prospect pool actually have a chance to develop as a team and perhaps win when you’re continually trading players like Reynolds and Bednar away, two guys who paid their dues and are excelling at the major league level? What you’re proposing is a never ending rebuild. Since they won’t *all* be ready at the same time, just trade those who do for more participants in the prospect pool.
What are the best and worst trades in Pirates history?
I’ve been studying every franchise’s trade records. I haven’t gotten to the Pirates yet. The Honus Wagner trade doesn’t count. Off the top of my head, Andy Van Slyke and others for Tony Pena was good and Dixie Walker for Preacher Roe was bad. I remember when they traded away Freddie Patek for Bob Johnson. Johnson was a post season hero but Patek was a big loss afterwards.
The Reds franchise is the reigning King of bad trades. Mathewson, Robinson, Overall, Osteen, Cuellar, Mize, Wills, O’Neill, Konerko, Wynn, Tovar, Flood… The list seems endless.
Reds have had some bad trades but some pretty good ones also come to mind: Morgan, Foster, Griffey, Seaver, Rijo, Arroyo, Castillo.
Every team has good and bad trades but, IMO, the Reds have been the biggest losers overall.
When the Pirates traded Denny Neagle for Jason Schmidt, Jim Leyland quit the team and went to Colorado and quit that team too. Gene LaMonte took over and fixed the pitching staff Leyland couldn’t with mostly the same pitchers but in different roles.
The Chris Archer trade was horrible
Glasnow alone is better and that’s not counting Baz or Mesdows….total robbery….
Rays fleeced them….
After last night loss…the whole coaching staff should be fired…I’m a lifetime pirate fan ..and I support the rebuild…but using these journeymen bums is pathetic
Between this kind of loss and the huge blowout losses, where you allow Vieaux to get slaughtered without throwing anyone in the bullpen and -then- bring a position player in to pitch the next inning, to get crushed and further the embarrassment, yeah, it’s not only a difficult team to watch, but it’s run by guys whose judgment seems to be overwhelmed by what’s going on around them
In playing the castoffs, I like to think they’re “showcasing” these guys with the trade deadline ahead, to anyone who somehow may want them
Reynolds is one guy I would go all in for, it would cost us the Martian +++, you have to do it.