2:11pm: Heyman tweets the Pirates had offered Reynolds an extension that would’ve made him the highest paid Pirate in history by total dollar figure, beating the $70MM extension that teammate Ke’Bryan Hayes got. Of course, Hayes got his extension with less than two years of service time while Reynolds has almost four years, so any extension was never going to be close to Hayes’ figure.
12:09pm: Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds has requested a trade, according to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. As per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, extension talks between Reynolds and the Pirates had reached an “impasse,” which led Reynolds to request the trade even though the Pirates still have no intention of dealing the All-Star. The Bucs have since released a statement on the trade request:
“While it is disappointing, this will have zero impact on our decision-making this off-season or in the future. Our goal is to improve the Pirates for 2023 and beyond. With three years remaining until he hits free agency, Bryan remains a key member of our team. We look forward to him having a great season for the Pirates.”
Reynolds has long been a sought-after trade candidate around the game, as a controllable player performing at an elite level for a team in the depths of a lengthy rebuild. Pittsburgh has rebuffed trade interest, instead preferring to keep Reynolds around as they look to return to contention while he is under club control. Reynolds is set to earn $6.75MM this season in the second year of a two-year, $13MM extension. He’ll then be under club control for a further two seasons via arbitration before becoming eligible for free agency after the 2025 season.
The 27-year-old experienced a slight dip in offensive production in 2022, but still put together a very strong season, slashing .262/.345/.461 with 27 home runs, worth 2.9 bWAR. It was the highest home run total he’d produced in his four seasons in the big leagues, but also came with an increase in strikeouts.
A second-round pick by the Giants back in 2016, Reynolds went to the Pirates in the 2018 Andrew McCutchen deal. He made his MLB debut a season later, slashing .314/.377/.503 with 16 home runs in 134 games. In another season, that could well have been enough to earn a Rookie of the Year award, but the presence of Pete Alonso, Mike Soroka and Fernando Tatis Jr. meant he finished fourth in the National League.
He experienced quite the sophomore slump, hitting just .189/.275/.357 in 55 games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season but rebounded with his best season yet in 2021. That year Reynolds batted .302/.390/.522 with 24 home runs, earning his first All-Star nod and finishing 11th in NL MVP voting. He also posted career-best strikeout (18.4%) and walk (11.6%) rates that year.
On the defensive side, Reynolds has spent most of his time in either left or center field. He spent the bulk of 2021-22 in center, logging a combined 2,196 2/3 innings to mixed reviews. Outs Above Average had him worth ten in ’21 but -7 in ’22, while Defensive Runs Saved pegged him for -5 in ’21 and -14 this season. Nonetheless, he does grade out better in left, where he was worth a total of 7 DRS across 931 2/3 innings between 2019-20.
While the offensive production did dip in 2022, the overall package of work combined with the remaining years of club control means there will be no shortage of suitors. MLBTR had a look at Reynolds as a trade candidate (a title he’s seemingly held for almost three years) just a week ago. Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that the Blue Jays have interest in Reynolds, while a number of teams, including the Mariners, Yankees and Marlins have previously held interest.
From the Pirates’ point of view, it’s not especially surprising to hear them say they are planning to have him back in 2023. They’re hardly likely to weaken their negotiating position further by publicly stating they’re trading him. Their asking price has always been sky high (the Seattle Times reported that their asking price at the ’21 deadline started with Julio Rodriguez), and they’ll surely be looking for a big haul of young players again.
There’s always been a bit of debate as to whether the Pirates should trade Reynolds or not. As a notoriously low-spending club, they were hardly likely to keep beyond his club control, but the Bucs’ rebuild is beginning to show signs of life and it’s not unthinkable that they’re in a position to contend in the NL Central by 2024-25. Whether they do trade him or not, the news has certainly added an extra layer of intrigue as agents and front office staff descend on San Diego for the start of the Winter Meetings tomorrow.
Rollie's Mustache
Took him long enough.
bucsfan0004
If he put up better numbers last year, he’d already be gone
Treehouse22
I’d hate to lose Reynolds, but if you put this guy in a hitter’s park with some studs around him, say Philly or the Yankees, this guy’s numbers would explode.
Stevil
His career numbers in pitcher-friendly parks have been excellent. Move him anywhere he can be happy and he’ll probably be just fine.
Surely Hollander or Dipoto are aware of that.
This one belongs to the Reds
Appropriate because you know he’s going to a large market.
TheMan 3
According to John Starky of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the team said they won’t be entertaining offers for Reynolds this offseason
His request is about money and a long term contract and Nutting is refusing to budge on the amount he offered
They will trade him next year before the deadline in hopes his numbers are better than 2022 or Nuttimg caves ( cough cough) and they come to an agreement
I choose the former, no way Nutting caves
Jon M
Pirate’s statement isn’t surprising, they don’t want trade requests to become a thing in MLB like they are in the other sports.
case
The Pittsburgh front office promised that this wouldn’t affect their decision making process… so I’m assuming Reynolds doesn’t get to use their magic eight ball?
TheMan 3
The front office might be trying to start a bidding war by saying they won’t be trading Reynolds
Personally speaking, as a devout and lifelong Pirate fan, I’ve grown tired of the cheapskate owner and his unwillingness to sign players at a premium. Trading Reynolds for prospects puts this franchise backwards to being contenders for another few years.
The Pirates perpetual rebuilding mode is their signature game
compassrose
I believe this could be a Dipoto type trade. As much as I would hate it this could be where a Hancock trade could be interesting. They would have to have an agreement on a contract before the trade. The Pirates should be interested because he is a young controllable SP they could bring up or leave in the minors depending on how ST goes.
case
I don’t think they can go any further backwards. Ownership is embarrassing and there’s no A’s/Rays type attempt to strategically embrace their financial realities. A large quantity of triple A players would be a good return, pass on a single blue chip centerpiece and just see how many viable players you can get in the pipeline.
websoulsurfer
BS. What they are really saying is we haven’t received an offer we like yet. Its posturing.
The Pirates know that they will not pay the $14 million or so that Reynolds will get in arbitration next offseason.
They also know that every single day in a Pirates uniform lowers his trade value. Not because of the trade demand, but because it lessens his time under team control for his next team.
TheMan 3
they were dead last in runs scored in 2022, so any trade would probably need to include an offensive player too.
Reynolds was the team leader in almost every category
bloomquist4hof
It’ll take a lot more than Hancock. I really don’t think the Mariners are in a position to trade for him. They need their best trade chips. Their best trade pieces are on the MLB team. I just don’t see that match. A year from now maybe. Also Hancock lost a lot of development. He could still be good but his current trade value isn’t that high. They’d be selling low on him at this point.
bloomquist4hof
I have no idea how this got attached to the wrong comment. I was careful about that too.
Stevil
Some of Seattle’s best chips are their current depth pieces, but I don’tthink they have enough. I think they’d have to part with major-league players or get a third team involved, perhaps eating a bad contract.
I’m curious how his potential availability might affect the free agent market, or the market (if there is one) for one of Arizona’s LHHs.
bloomquist4hof
Exactly, it’s not the best fit. They are in a better position to either just pay money or maybe do something creative to eat part of a bad contract if they want to make a major trade.
joew
Nutting usually doesn’t get directly involved, so this is a little surprising to me. The asking amount/years must’ve been way out there where the front office went and asked for more money.
TheMan 3
maybe if Shelton hadn’t placed him in the #2 hole, he might have had a better season.
Your #1 power hitter and #1 RBI guy should’ve been batting: 3 or 4.
Hayes batted cleanup for a good portion of the season . What does that say about the manager?
Obviously cheapskate Nuttimg won’t give Reynolds a substantial raise so I don’t blame Reynolds for wanting out
In a few years, this will be Cruz
debubba
Old time stats. Your best hitting should be in the #2 slot in the lineup.
Treehouse22
I agree to a certain extent, but Shelty probably felt he had no choice but to bat him 2nd since everbody else was hitting .190.
TheMan 3
the previous year, batting mostly cleanup he drove in more runs, led the league in triples and hit 35 doubles
He only had 19 doubles in 2022
Where he batted made a difference
Ketch
Actually the #2 slot is the optimal one for a team’s best hitter. Maximizes PA while giving him enough with men on base.
Salvi
“Where he batted made a difference”
A one year correlation doesn’t make a fact.
rememberthecoop
True story.
TheMan 3
That was a problem, they often had Hayes bat lead off before moving him to cleanup
More often than not, Reynolds would come to bat with the bases empty
TheMan 3
On a team that set the franchise record for strikeouts, where he batted did make a difference
They were last in runs scored too
Skeptical
Where you bat your best hitter should be based on more than them being the “best hitter”. What kind of hitter are they? Power? Average? OBP? Also it should be dependent on your other hitters in your lineup and what kind of hitters are they? If the team had two hitters with little or no power but high OBP, bat Reynolds third by all means. In other scenarios, bat Reynolds second. (With Pirates lineup last year, it probably made no difference where he batted.). There is no hard fast rule. Statistics are nuanced.
hiflew
This is not a concrete fact, just an opinion. Obviously putting Reynolds in the #2 slot did not really help Pittsburgh win more games, so maybe his argument holds water. Maybe it would have made no difference, so the change would be negligible. Perhaps Pittsburgh would have been even worse with Reynolds hitting #3 or #4 instead of #2. There is absolutely no way to know.
The point is that just because someone in the 20th century came up with the idea doesn’t make automatically wrong.
metslvt17
That way is thinking is outdated. You’re best hitter should hit #2. More at bats.
bhambrave
Define “best”.
hiflew
More times being left on base as well. Your best hitter shouldn’t be the one getting on base, he should be the one driving runs in. You don’t win games by having base runners, you win games by scoring base runners.
Skeptical
I think we can all agree that it is logical that the #2 batter gets more plate appearances than the #3. I was curious to how many more plate appearances that is. Quick search online produced pretty much the same conclusions. The #2 gets about 0.1 more plate appearances per game or one more every ten games than the #3 hitter. One study had it 15 or 18 plate appearances per year depending on league.
Found a Bill James article online that looked at the “value” of each lineup spot. He argued that by his definition of value, the most valuable lineup spot was #4. He ranked them 4-3-1-2-5-6-7-8-9..
JackStrawb
@Skeptical I think it was James, too, who first pointed out that putting the prototypical slugger at #5 in the lineup, the power hitter who just wasn’t as good as the #4 hitter, usually due to a low BA and correspondingly low OBP, was one of the worst uses of your lineup.
Since the #5 hitter is the most likely to lead off the 2nd inning, putting a low OBP there is a terrible use of resources, and why, acc to James, teams averaged fewer runs the first time through the lineup than at other times.
Interesting, how backwards the game has sometimes been. It went a century scoring fewer runs when it could set its lineup 1-9, than at other times. 100 years, more or less, before it figured out something this basic, and another several decades before teams accepted this as factual.
kenphelpsformvp
as funny as it is sad.
Buccrazy
Yes, Hayes against RHP was terrible. That was one problem of many.
Mystery Team
Your best hitter should not be batting second he should be hitting third. For example Judge hit second for New York even leadoff but that’s because their lineup sucks. He smacks 62 bombs yet only drives in 131 runs. That’s because he hit either first or second. If Judge was on the Astros last season with the lineup they had he’d bat third or fourth and would have driven in close to 180 runs. Last year he hit 41 solo HRs. Not his fault but batting him at the top is the problem. By batting him there the Yankees possibly left 40 to 50 runs on the table. Unfortunately they had no legit leadoff or two hole bat. Every generation wants to redefine the game when they need to just leave it alone. Something is wrong when walks are considered to be as important of a stat as they are currently. Walks are easily the most situational stat in the game meaning that sometimes a walk is good but many times a walk is useless. Juan Soto please stand up. He’s the poster boy for useless walks. Two men on two out and down two runs and Soto draws a walk is that good or bad? If you answer good then you’re one of the confused.
Chester Copperpot
That is very simplistic thinking.
bobveale
Having about a .650-.700 OPS the first two months last year also made a difference.
bobveale
Yeah if he wanted out bad enough he should have showed up for the first 2 months last year. OPS decline from .912 in 2021 to .806 2022. Unless someone wants to overpay, tell BR to put up at least .850 and then trade. Keeping him in Pgh great incentive to produce a few good years.
CaptainJudge99
They still have a team in Pittsburgh?
fre5hwind
FYI I love watching sports.
Joe says...
Yeah. They got uniforms and everything. It’s great.
fre5hwind
Good thing about PNC we got the best ball park.
fre5hwind
Pirates would make a half decent AA Team.
MotorCityJack
Not much better than Detroit.
A'sfaninUK
Pirates would make a decent MLB team, if Bob Nutting wasnt an absolute clown with no intention of making MLB a better product.
Senioreditor
PNC has nothing on Petco Park. Been to both, Petco has superior food and beer and a way better surrounding area.
fre5hwind
PNC has a better view period.
Ketch
Unless you’re watching the Pirates.
stpbaseball 76
very debatable. Petco is gorgeous. PNC and Petco are probably 1 and 1a
rememberthecoop
Touche.
Candlestoked
But it’s in San Diego, which is a dump!
User 2079935927
And no playoff appearances
Dorothy_Mantooth
I’ve been to Petco and while it is very nice, I like the SF Giants stadium better than Petco. I haven’t been to PNC but by all accounts it is the best stadium in MLB. Too bad they can’t draw many fans there. I also have a soft spot for Camden Yards. It was the first of its kind and has held up very well over the years.
Fenway is my home park but it is a dump compared to these new, “old school” parks. But it is hard to beat the Fenway or Wriggly experience if you just love baseball and don’t need to be pampered.
kellin
Finally got to go to a game at Wrigley last year.. really quite enjoyed it. I guess I’m pretty simple when it comes to my baseball experience. Hot Dog, beer, game.
BPax
Come check out T-Mobil Park in Seattle. It’s great and often mentioned in top ten lists from writers and broadcasters.
A'sfaninUK
Yeah you’re arguing A+ with another A+
Wish my squad wasnt on a D-….
TheMan 3
it’s not what is served or sold at a stadium that makes it superior
Seating, closeness to the field, scoreboard, structural integrity and beauty
The old Forbes Field sold delicious hot dogs. but was one of worst in everything else
metslvt17
I haven’t gone to either (yet) but I hear Oracle Park in SF is a sight to see. Oriole Park is also a beautiful one. Fenway had some of the best atmosphere of any stadium and surrounding area. And I still hold onto the claim that Citi Field is criminally overlooked as a tip stadium. The food is great. The views are great. The atmosphere is great.
User 2079935927
The best ballpark doesn’t win championships.
3Rivers
Who the hell said it did
fre5hwind
I’ve went to Petco Park in the summer of 2018 it was pretty cool definitely hot but very nice. And I think Fenway is a cool ballpark to.
Skeptical
But you can’t find decent kielbasa in San Diego. I’ve tried and tried. Dragged my poor brother in law, who is a native San Diegian, all San Diego searching for decent kielbasa. Couldn’t find any beyond “meh”. Just north of Pittsburgh, there is a store that sell the best kielbasa that I have ever had. They make it themselves. Too bad it’s over 1,500 miles from where I live.
alwaysgo4two
I’ll put that comment under the category….”things a pompous Yankees fan would say.” Unbelievably to you, there’s a sports world outside of NYC.
BravesCanada
Or put it in the movie quotes category, under Major League
reflect
I guess they don’t have movies in Pittsburgh either.
WiffleBall
There’s wiffle ball outside of New York.
mazbilleroski
Actually, quite a few movies are filmed in Pittsburgh
mazbilleroski
If he is traded, regardless to who, the Pirates will get fleeced. As always
rememberthecoop
Normally I might agree but he has a point. The Bucs haven’t been relevant for a long time.
Yankee Clipper
Jack Reacher!
bob9988 2
I think that’s things to put in the, Pittsburgh ownership is so embarrassing and inept that it’s a wonder the team is still there.
TheMan 3
The Excorist was partly filmed in Pittsburgh
TheMan 3
They’ll trade him for prospects which means another decade before they’re competitive. The stay in perpetual rebuild mode
TheMan 3
The last time they made the playoffs was in 2015 as a Wild Card and actually led the national league with 98 wins
bhambrave
How could they lead the league as a wild card?
Mendoza Line 215
Paul-You usually have a good memory but please remember that the three year period that they were second in MLB in total wins the Cardinals happened to beat them out every year in their own division thus making them the lead wildcard team.
TheMan 3
I stand corrected, Mendoza, the Cardinals won 100 games that year and the Bucs finished in 2nd place with 98 wins
The Saber-toothed Superfife
And they schedule their trips to the city accordingly……..
Mercenary.Freddie.Freeman
@All Rise. Yes people wanted the team name changed to something more friendly with the current times but in the end freedom prevailed and they remain the Pirates.
Yankee Clipper
(Me as Jocko Willink’a doppelgänger)
[inhales sharply] I love the smell of freedom in the morning….. Get some!
Gwynning's Anal Lover
It’s a AAAA team.
JackStrawb
Sure. They’re called the Steelers!
Gwynning's Anal Lover
I guarantee the Steelers will win more games than the Pirates this year.
I speak the truth
Steelers suck
TheMan 3
Considering that pro football only plays 17 games during a season, (not counting playoffs), and the Steelers only have 4 wins in 11 games, your prediction doesn’t hold water
The Pirates would have to go 3-159 as of this moment for the Steelers to win more games
Gwynning's Anal Lover
@TheMan You are being a little over optomistic this year. Do you really think three teams will forfeit?
ASapsFables
This should add a bit more heat to a simmering Hot Stove on the eve of the Winter Meetings.
Yankee Clipper
They totally messed the title up…
“Bryan Reynolds Requests Trade from Pirates to Yankees”
There we go….a fixed.
TheDogDays
Then the theme of Yankeee-haters would be:
He sucks!!!! He didn’t even win a ring with Pittsburgh!
CaptainJudge99
@TheDogDays- Nah we’d welcome him with open arms. We’re just not giving up Oswald Peraza and Jasson Dominguez for him, that’s all. Maybe Trey Sweeney, Everson Pereira, and either Domingo German or Clarke Schmidt.
TheDogDays
But you’re a Yankee fan right? The above was the response by the negative Yankee- haters.
rememberthecoop
That won’t get it done
RonDarlingShouldntBeInTheHallOfFame
@All Rise-You’d have to give up more than that. Zero chance the Pirates would even take Dominguez and Peraza for him.
Jm207* 2
So now that Clint Frazier and Andujar trade proposals are finally done, do we really have to start German and Clarke Schmidt ones? Delusional. You don’t just get star players for Yankee spare parts. You have to give up something to get something. It’s that simple
CaptainJudge99
@Jm207* 2- It’s funny Clarke Schmidt and Domingo German are better then anything the Pirates have right now. They’d be lucky to have em’ Don’t the Pirates already have Andujar? Smh
CaptainJudge99
@tippin- No, the Yankees aren’t giving up Peraza or Dominguez, and definitely not both.
Jm207* 2
They’re average at best. They’re throw ins in a trade package. Reynolds is a star. Next you’ll be saying Aaron Hicks for Reynolds straight up.
bucincharlotte
Reynolds and Judge are both going to Boston! Add in Devers and the Yankees will not win a division for many years!
bucincharlotte
No issue he will be over 30 by then.
bucincharlotte
Heading to Arizona for Lawler and Green
bucincharlotte
Meyer and a couple young pitchers
bucincharlotte
He’s going to Boston as us Judge!
bucincharlotte
Add in Jordan Walkers d it’s done!
bucincharlotte
Staying in the division for Jordan Walker, Carlson and Libetore
LostInTraslation
Remember when the Yankees wouldn’t trade Andujar and Clint Fraiser for Cole? How’d that work out? Proven players are always more valuable than prospects. For every Trout you have 100 Fraisers.
TheDogDays
In their defense, it’s hard to predict Frazier would run into a wall…
Mendoza Line 215
Lost-That trade would very possibly have netted the Yankees another World Series win.Chance Adams was in the discussion too.
Where are they now?!
It always amazes me that each team’s fans think that their young players are the best but in reality relatively few actually end up being productive big league players for a number of years.
TheDogDays
It’s not an exact science. It’s easy to look back on history but it’s important to develop prospects.
That’s literally the reason why the Astros are better than the Yankees.
Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher
D-backs don’t need young outfielders. They already have three or four who could start for 90% of MLB teams.
szielinski
Well, if Cashman won’t trade a player that the Pirates can use, then the trade won’t happen.
szielinski
Then the Yanks won’t get Reyonlds.
User 2079935927
Wrong!!! You F’d it up totally. Bryan request a trade to the Angels by way of the Yankees. There I fixed it for ya,
Yankee Clipper
You’re right… Reynolds to NY, then to Anaheim for Trout/Ohtani back to NY!
Love the way you think, man!
iverbure
I wouldn’t trade anyone who requests a trade, who has multiple years of control.
bhambrave
Nice to be so definitive. Teams can’t afford to be.
PLINKO
Welcome to the Rangers Bryan Reynolds. Big trade happening soon!
slidepiece
There’s definitely a need and “fit”, but what do you give Pittsburgh in return?
PLINKO
Cole Winn, Leody Taveras, Justin Foscue, Dustin Harris, Johnathan Orneales/Antoine Kelly probably gets the trade done
thecoffinnail
They have him for a few more years. He will definitely get traded but on the Pirates terms. Some team will see him as the missing piece at the deadline next year or the year after and meet Charington’s asking price. One thing we learned from his days in Boston is he doesn’t undersell. Remember what he got for Lester from Beane? If they leave Charington alone at let him do his thing he will put a winner on the field while still having a strong farm in 2-3 years. Guarantee Reynolds isn’t in his long term plans. He knows he will only have a year possibly 2 left of his prime once they are contenders. Reynolds is a nice player but still only a complimentary piece. He is not someone who will put the team on his back and push them to a playoff spot. Send him to the Dodgers for a couple of their minor league pitchers. Pirates need to be getting a top 5 draft selection the next 2 years. He will give them just enough production to push them to a top 10 pick. Which will give them some nice high school players to pick from but the top college pitchers will already be off the board. They need players to be ready in 2-3 years to go with the players that are almost ready. Unless they happen across the next Mile Trout they need to be picking top college pitchers who only need a year or two of seasoning. They have no chance in signing a TOR arm to lead their staff. So they have to draft one. They won’t get him picking 5-10 unless they put 4 years of development in.
Samuel
thecoffinnail;
I agree with some of what you wrote. However, keep in mind that Mr. Cherington took over the Pirates one year after Mike Elias took over the Orioles. Both franchises were in similar situations: poor ML teams, poor farm system, poor staffs, radically behind technically and process wise.
Your post is written as if Mr. Cherington just took over as the Pirates GM. He’s been drafting high.
Look at the farm system that Mark Elias had a year ago compared to what the Pirates have today. No comparison at all. And the O’s had to work through some extremely bad contracts.
The fact is that if Mr. Cherington’s intention is to trade Bryan Reynolds at some point, he’d have done it a year or two ago. Bryan Reynolds trade value keeps going down, and will continue to go down. Maybe not to fans, but to FO’s. The “kid” will be 28 years-old next month. He’s not a true CF, and he isn’t putting up eye-popping numbers. Last year in 614 PA’s, he had both a bWAR and fWAR of 2.9. I’m not a big stat guy, but I look at things like WAR and ERA as a baseline thing. I’ve watched Bryan play a bit. This isn’t Juan Soto with a poor Nationals team. He’s a good guy to get, but he’s not going to bring back another organizations top 2 prospects.
Macbeth
Samuel, I’m not sure the Os are a great comp though either. The pirates farm system I’d say was still far below the Os.
There is a difference of 1 year between Elias and BC. Dependong if you’re looking at farm rankings from 2018 Pirates they are vastly different considering Meadows, and Baz were shipping in 2018 and the farm system in 19 was headlined by Keller, Hayes, Swaggerty, Cruz, and Tucker. The 6 through 30 was also pretty bereft of talent also.
The major league roster was also completely demolished with the only gift left by Neal Huntington was getting Bryan Reynolds. The Cole trade was bungled and any remaining major league talent was non existent.
When the Pirates got Hudson Head in the Musgrove deal he immediately was slotted into the #3 organizational prospect by MLB pipeline. I think that shows how thin the farm really was. Considering Head is now 26th during to great draft strategies, adding top end talent from other trades, developing other talents and Head also faltering.
I’m not sure that it’s a fair comp.
szielinski
So, you are claiming that a team won’t give the Pirates a fair return for him. Why?
Deadguy
The year was 2003 the pirates had this guy named Aramis Ramirez. He stopped running to first base on grounder, and displayed overall a lack of effort because he was done playing for a loosing ball club
He was traded to the Cubs as a deadline deal
szielinski
That’s not what happened. Booing fans got into Aram’shead while the McClatcy partnership encountered money problems which forced them to dump a player. The Pirates sold low because they had to make that trade.
The Baseball Fan
Woah. This shakes things up. I probably shouldn’t say this, but I love the tension! Makes the off-season more exciting
shark stitches
Agreed
rondon
He can request all he wants, but he’s going nowhere until the Pirates get a great offer.
Drew Waters Bat
*unreasonable
TheDogDays
On principle , I wish you were right. But in reality, they’ll move him for the highest offer.
Dorothy_Mantooth
If Cherington finds the right deal, he will move him. Nearly everyone in MLB is available for the right price. Pirates are just driving up the price by saying they won’t trade him. If some team blows them away with an offer, they will jump on it. Too bad Preller traded away so many prospects already as this would be a classic Preller acquisition.
User 2079935927
When a player request a trade, it diminish’s what his team could have gotten for him.
Dorothy_Mantooth
@ Winslow – That theory definitely applies to the NBA and the NFL but not MLB. If Reynolds does not get traded, he can’t sit out or play poorly like some NBA & NFL players do, as Reynolds is not yet a free agent. Pirates have no need to trade him and they know that Reynolds will still need to play his absolute best to increase his personal value once he reaches free agency. The fact that Reynolds wants out will have no impact on his trade value; in fact it could even drive up the costs because Pittsburgh has him over a barrel with the three years of control they have on him and will only trade him if some team blows them away with an offer they can’t refuse.
TheDogDays
Yeah I respectfully disagree. The Pirates HAVE to trade him or at least pacify him in some way.
I’m not saying Reynolds doesn’t compete and play well but it’s a terrible for team moral to have a guy that clearly doesn’t want to stay.
You get some capable young guys in return and that can change.
longines64
Somewhat true. The Phillies dealt with that with Scott Rolen. They received Placido Polanco and a couple other ham and eggers… Rolen was furiously booed whenever he came back to Philly. He was a miserable person.
YourDreamGM
The Pirates can care less about outside opinion or winning games. He can stay for three more years and be miserable. They could care less. They will get a return they like. I figured he was going to be traded anyways. He just did the Pirates a favor. Instead of them trading a fan favorite they are trading a cry baby who doesn’t want to be here.
TheDogDays
But it’s not always the outside opinion that matters, it’s the inside opinion.
He’ll be traded.
YourDreamGM
He was going to be traded anyways so yes he will be traded.
Treehouse22
“instead of trading a fan favorite they are trading a cry baby who doesn’t want to be here”. This was my worst fear when I saw that he wants to be traded. If I thought this and so did you, obviously other Pirates fans will be thinking this way, too. Pirates fans will be booing their best player this year. This won’t be easy to watch.
YourDreamGM
Actually I think they will agree with him. Most fans want him extended and will be like Nutting is cheap. I understand, I would want to be traded to a team that cares about winning. The hate for Nutting is worse than a player wanting a trade.
Will be much easier than trading Cutch. I mean Reynolds demanded a trade so he had to go right?
HankHollywood
If they can sign him to a team friendly deal that eats up a couple arbitration years they can get a huge return in the next couple years IF he continues to improve.
websoulsurfer
He won’t stay past this season no matter what. He is projected to make $14+ million in arbitration for 2024. Nutting won’t pay that, so Reynolds will be traded before the 2024 season. That is a given.
The longer he stays a Pirate, the lower his trade value is. Not because of the trade demand. Because each day the team control the team trading for him goes down.
Are they going to trade him now and get max value or hold onto him for another 90+ game losing season and get less value?
YourDreamGM
He just demanded a trade. Why would he accept a team friendly deal? Sounds like he wants paid.
Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher
Yep, and the Phillies didn’t do any better when they traded Schilling and Bobby Abreu. Both those guys played well for their new teams and we ended up with squadoodle!
stymeedone
Nutting is the one offering the extension. Unless its reported that that was his final offer, how is he the bad guy? This was Reynolds over reacting to the negotiation process.
fre5hwind
Good luck Reynolds don’t waste your career with us.
Yankee Clipper
Fre5hwind, as a very level-headed Pirates fan, I wonder your opinion on what the Yankees would have to give up to get Reynolds.
Keep in mind, although I’m certain Cashman has already inquired and probably called again as soon as this article posted, I don’t expect the Yankees to acquire him over other teams that can present equal, or better, packages. I’m just curious, honestly, because you know better what the Pirates needs are.
fre5hwind
Hmmm, Well Clipper I’m not a master of trade artistic area, but I’ll say… Domingo German OR Michael King because Pirates need a better rotation and some good outfield/infield type player to take over instead of VanMeter or something. (Just my opinion)
jimmyz
@Yankee Clipper As a Pirates fan I doubt a deal gets done with the Yankees without one of Volpe, Peraza or Dominguez as the headliner. Not necessarily because Ben Cherington would demand that but if Cherington was/is actively shopping Reynolds some other team would beat any Yankee offer without those guys. So there’s that.
In terms of needs for the Pirates, the team needs more MLB ready pitching. Bucs at least have guys to sort through for position players like Cruz, Bae, Castro, Endy Rodriguez, Nick Gonzalez, Henry Davis, Swaggerty, etc. Pitching is another story with multiple open rotation spots and every reliever other than Bednar easily replaceable.
I’d imagine a trade would be something like
-one of volpe, peraza or Dominguez
-one of Gil, German, Schmidt or Medina
-a further off guy with upside
-and a safer low ceiling/high floor type in the upper minors
Four for one.
Yankee Clipper
Jimmyz: Okay, that seems similar to where I thought they would be, honestly. I assumed they would want either:
Volpe + the other ancillary ones you mentioned, or
Peraza + Dominguez and at least two of the ancillary ones you mentioned.
Given the trade of Newman I figured they would want at least one of them to be a top SS prospect, and one to be a top pitching prospect. Either way, it wouldn’t surprise me if they wanted even more simply because the competition for Reynolds’ services is going to be so intense.
Thanks, man.
Knownotsomuch
Mr Nutting, Reynolds is your corner stone of this rebuild. Pay the man what he would be worth on any other major league team. If not, more power to you Mr. Reynolds. Good Luck in getting what you are worth.
YourDreamGM
You don’t extend 31 year olds for market value. They shouldn’t have even tried. They aren’t going to give him a lifetime contract and makes no sense for him to be a free agent at 33 instead of 31.
marrtho
Only 20 clubs will be interested
OIC2021
The Guardians trade is imminent
Civale
Straw
Benson
Windowpane
Dial tone on Pittsburgh’s end.
realsox
He’d look good on the South Side.
YourDreamGM
Not with those players.
bigjonliljon
He can request all he wants to, but since he’s been cashing the Pirates pay checks, they’re gonna just laugh at him
myaccount2
Which would be kind of dumb on their part because if they can’t extend him, he’ll just walk by the time they’re competing again.
Jean Matrac
Agree, plus he’s going to get expensive by arb standards next season.
S_man_2014
With three years of control left, the pirates don’t have to trade him at this time. They can afford to wait until other teams meet their asking price. If no team meets it, they can wait until next off season and try again.
Jean Matrac
Reynolds signed a team-friendly, 2 year deal, buying out last year and this season’s arb. Next season he’s getting a large arb raise that will be more than the Pirates like, and the 3rd year will be another arb raise.
Yes, technically there’s 3 years of control, and they don’t have to trade him, especially at this time. But it’s a legitimate question whether they can afford to wait for another team to meet their price. And his value will decrease every year that they don’t trade him.
BaseballisLife
Next year Anderson is going to make more in arbitration than he the total of 2022 and 2023.
YourDreamGM
Any team can afford arbitration. It’s just smart to trade a player instead of letting them leave for a comp pick or nothing. Pirates have had 100 million payrolls before. When they had 50 million payrolls for the last 3 years 20 30 million for arbitration is not a problem.
Jean Matrac
Any team can afford arbitration, but some teams trade players before the arb raises make them relatively expensive. Maybe the Pirates can afford something like an arb raise to $15M in 2024, and another approaching $20M in 2025. But they aren’t going to want to pay that before they’re competitive and then lose Reynolds in free-agency.
It’s not one or the other. It’s a combination for teams like the Pirates to both save money, and get a decent return before the player leaves.
websoulsurfer
They can hold onto him Sman and see his value drop substantially. Right now, a team trading for him knows that they get maximum team control, and he is on a team friendly deal. That means the Pirates get maximum value in trade for him now.
He will make $14 million in arbitration for 2024 and have one less year of team control which means teams will give much less for him in trade after this season than they will right now..
stymeedone
With all the young players, that should create excitement, and some better baseball. Maybe even some wins. That could sell tickets. That would allow payroll to increase. They may well be able to afford the arbitration prices.
Pete'sView
Holy Toledo! Boy, will that open a bunch of negotiations. What do the Pirates do now?
RunDMC
Same things they’ve done. Turn down interest and great trade offers demanding a king’s ransom in a down year with less years of control. Make their players unhappy with the threat of playing him, but not paying him, only to lose him to a comp draft pick that they hope to do the same things to a half decade from now. This is how a rebuild takes decades and the franchise gets the label as one of the worst in American sports.
YourDreamGM
Run has it figured out. I would like to be traded. Lol you dip it. We been trying to trade you the last 2 seasons. Nobody wants to pay up. You think demanding a trade will help or force our hand lol.
stymeedone
@ run
What are these “great offers” they have turned down? Maybe they have been less than great offers? He is getting payed by them on an extension that he agreed to. He wouldn’t have agreed if he thought it was not fair. Negotiations happen. There doesn’t have to be a bad guy.
RunDMC
See link to MLBTR article (Sept 2021) from “big-time offers” from ATL/MIL. Now, a “great offer” is not objective, so take it for what it is. The point: they’re reporting serious offers in the years he’s been living amid trade rumors. I was not talking about extension he’s in, but the extension he reportedly turned down. I’d imagine there’s been more than we don’t know about. A good front office can turn that interest and get an offer they like, not unlike Cole.
mlbtraderumors.com/2021/09/braves-brewers-made-pir…
Yankee Clipper
Answer the phone.
TradeAcuna
Pirates will surely take Ozuna and his contract. Do it AA!
fre5hwind
Your StridersLegDay right?
Mystic Rhythms
Excellent! Add to the chaos this offseason.
Here come the out of touch trade proposals.
TheDogDays
Typical. Brian obviously doesn’t care about winning.
stymeedone
Watch him get traded to MIAMI or CINCI.
TheDogDays
Lol Oakland has reached out.
Big Smoke
I’d love him in Miami. Maybe they’ll finally start to field a quality lineup for the first time in years
Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher
Marlins have good pitchers and more on the way. But their everyday line up sucks big time. They’d need at least four Reynolds types to even get above .500.
This one belongs to the Reds
We will take him but our management wont do that because they might have to pay him.
Mjm117
@thedogdays – have the Pirates cared about winning?
TheDogDays
It’s a joke bud
Knownotsomuch
Dog days, write that down, read it back and see if you make sense.
TheDogDays
It doesn’t, thus the joke.
The Pirates don’t win much.
Deleted Userr
Oof!
kidnova
Well, Rangers are going all out, and an outfielder with a little bit of pop is exactly what they need. Maybe the Pirates would be interested in some of the Rangers’ high level infield prospects. They have a surplus.
AlOliver4HOF
The Pirates also have a surplus of infield prospects.
The_Porcupine
I know I am in the minority, but he is a tad overrated to me. He looks like a superstar on a bad Pirates team, but probably more of a solid supporting player on a good team. I always found it ridiculous that the Pirates wanted the sun and moon for him.
Alkie
Would you like to know why you’re in the minority?
The man has a 136 OPS+ over the past two seasons.
He’s a switch hitting CF with pop and a high on-base percentage. He walks and hits the ball hard.
Of the 13 CFs in baseball (according to fangraphs) that have at least 500 PAs over the last two seasons, he has the highest wRC+.
I sort of get what you’re saying, that being the best player on a truly awful team makes him seem “better than he is” but in this case, he’s actually pretty good.
cpdpoet
@alkie – Ty for reply, now I only have to put my beer down for 35 seconds…not 10 minutes. Good post…..
Still hurting from the loss to the Netherlands…Sam Adams helps….
stpbaseball 76
he’s not really a quality CF anymore. he’s much better suited for the corner at this point and he’s a very good but not great corner outfielder. he’s not nearly as valuable as he was even just a year ago as his move to the corner is obviously needed now. still valuable but not nearly as much so
Samuel
stpbaseball 76;
The longer the Pirates hold onto him and his salary goes up, the less valuable he becomes.
He’s not a CF by any means. As am LF he’s above average, but hardly All-Star material let alone superstar material.
If the Pirates continue to hold onto him they’d best hope he doesn’t suffer a major injury – because if he does his trade value plummets.
A'sfaninUK
Reynolds isn’t an elite superstar, or even Sean Murphy, who is top 3 in MLB at his position. That Kelenic/Hancock/Trammell package mentioned below might be the best one the Pirates hear (if the M’s decide to try and get him).
slider32
This would be a good time for the Pirates to trade Reynolds, many of the contenders are looking for a controllable outfielder. Teams like the Dodgers, Mariners, Rays, Rangers, Yanks, and Guardians have good minor league players to move for him.
rememberthecoop
His 2021 numbers were elite. 2022 was still very good, but like I wrote in my post, if he continues to sell out for power, the overall contact metrics will continue to decline.
Dorothy_Mantooth
Reminds me of a young Charlie Blackmon with less speed. I think he’d do very well anywhere else, especially if he has protection in the lineup. It’s too easy to pitch around him in Pitt and it forces him to swing at borderline pitches just to try and start something offensively for the Bucs.
Assdribble_Cabrera
Dude, that’s quite the exaggeration. The Pirates did not want the sun and the moon for him, just the moon.
Skell 2
Is there anyone in the pirates locker room who hasn’t requested a trade?
A'sfaninUK
No. Only Bryan Reynolds. Search the site.
MarlinsFanBase
Too bad Reynolds didn’t watch the movie “The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh”. He could’ve tried the trade request that was done in that movie. That would’ve been awesome!
JerseyShoreScore
Apparently adding Carlos Santana to the lineup did not excite Brian Reynolds.
DefensiveIndifference
Maybe Carlos Santana the guitarist would have mellowed out Reynolds vibes?
MarlinsFanBase
I personally think Reynolds got upset that they treated his protective bat, Lewin Diaz, like he was Deven Marrero.
Luke Strong
If the Pirates give in and trade him, it would give too much power to arb players and break the system. They cannot trade him at his request. No arb player can be allowed to request a trade and have it granted for his sake.
TrillionaireTeamOperator
So you think he’s doing this to increase his value via better line up protection and a higher profile club with a better reputation to generate a higher salary?
Isn’t that why most players request a trade, ultimately? For a better chance to succeed on a more competitive team than their current one?
TheMan 3
Reynolds contact is only for 2023, though he’s arbitration eligible for an additional two years
So whoever he’s traded to, they have control over him for 3 years
Jean Matrac
Totally disagree. Every player should be allowed to request a trade. Denying that right would be oppressive. And if they do trade him it doesn’t break anything.
No team is under any obligation to trade a player if they request a trade. No team ever trades a player for the player’s sake, and the Pirates aren’t going to trade Reynolds for his sake either, request or not. The Pirates are probably going to trade him next season anyway when his arb raises makes him a lot more expensive, but he still has a ton of trade value.
dazedatnoon
“No team ever trades a player for the player’s sake”,
Piscotty traded to Oakland was a pretty stand up move for both teams involved.
Jean Matrac
Of course there are trades that benefit the player, but no team is going to take less than market rate in a trade solely for the benefit of the player.
mrkinsm
They’ll trade him, but it won’t be before next July. No rebuilding team wants a pissed off player in the dugout for any longer than necessary.
VonPurpleHayes
Mets.
RunDMC
Braves. He’s not a CF, which is partially what has reduced his value, IMHO. Yes, he would be better than Marte, but not Nimmo. Pay in prospects for 2 years or pay Nimmo? Remember MIL/ATL for making final offers for him a few years ago that didn’t finalize. Wonder if Cherington renews those talks knowing how much AA needs a COF. A Vandy Boy replacing the offense of a Vandy Boy??
Smacky
Atlanta has exactly no use for a Center Fielder. The one they have signed for like 7 years just won the ROY and should’ve won the GG.
I speak the truth
He wouldn’t be an improvement over Rosario or the drunken wife beater Ozuna?
RunDMC
@Smacky – I didn’t know I needed to stress the implication of getting Reynolds to use him as a LF (COF) – where almost all def metrics shows he’s better, and a long-term use. You’re paying for the bat — the glove is the icing.
rememberthecoop
Do they have the prospects to get it done?
rct
Assuming you’re asking about the Mets (the nesting of comments is non-existent on mobile), theoretically they have the prospects. Although I would hope that Alvarez and Baty are off the table. If the Pirates would accept a deal centered around Mauricio, I would do that trade in a heartbeat if I was the Mets.
Ma4170
@rct I could see a Ramirez mauricio hamel type package being offered, which would prob get the Pirates attention
rundmc1981
PIT has #1 overall C Henry Davis, I can’t imagine they’re interested in a deal around Alvarez/Parada. They have 2B/SS options coming up. I’d think OF/SP would be the sweet spot for them. ATL has both of that, though not the prospect rankings some salivate over. (Strider wasn’t ranked in top-100 and Harris II was top-80, fwiw…). Muller, another SP, Justyn-Henry Malloy would be interesting.
Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher
Braves everyday LF for the next eight years. Braves have the pitching depth to get it done. Maybe even add in someone like Grissom (SS-2B-OF) who looks like he can play anywhere.
Ma4170
I had heard this actually before this article. Mets a top ten farm now so they can get it done, but if pirates are looking for two top 100 prospects for Reynolds, no way. He’s far from “elite” as the article says, but is very good. Streaky though – every other year guy so far. If they’re looking for Álvarez or baty no way. I’d even balk at parada but the Mets I’m sure would move him In a package to get Reynolds.
Alkie
I’ve read Yankee Twitter long enough to know that Clint Frazier, Gleyber Torres, and a promise to consider making you the next captain of the Yankees is more than enough to get this deal done.
rct
Even though he is no longer with the team, I have also read that a deal with Gallo as the centerpiece is on the table.
flamingbagofpoop
“Pirates ask Bryan Reynolds to play better”
Central Valley
Would the Giants catcher Joey Bart and outfielder Heliot Ramos get it done?
Pete'sView
In the past, it might have had some life. But after both Bart and Ramos are struggling, Pirates would never touch this, especially with 2/3 of the league offering more. Much more.
But would I love to see the Giants get him back? You betcha!
jdgoat
Two of the Pirates best prospects are already catchers.
utah cornelius
If you were a Yankee fan you’d be harassed for making that proposal.
szielinski
No.
Mjm117
Ng / Marlins need to make this happen!
VonPurpleHayes
I like that fit.
Big Smoke
She’ll probably engage in prospect hugging, as usual
SODOMOJO
Trammell, Kelenic and Evan White for Reynolds
OR
Emerson Hancock for Reynolds str8 up
fathead0507
Yea so 3 flamed out busts for an All Star.. mariners fans starting to act like their busts are great like Yankee fans did with Andujar and Frazier
Mariners, Seahawks1
Its obviously a joke.
Larry Bernandez 1324IM
We Mariners fans aren’t all this delusional
muskie73
One year of Gold Glove winner Ian Happ, the Cub who posted 3.5 fWAR this year, would cost less than three years of Bryan Reynolds, the Pirate who posted 2.9 fWAR this year.
baseballtradevalues.com/trades/trade-111624/
Seattle executive Jerry Dipoto has probably made calls on the switch-hitting NL Central outfielders born five months apart.
riley s
Bro…. I’m an M’s fan too but that’s terrible
SODOMOJO
Meh. Everybody’s a critic. It’s fun being a fan and fantasizing/speculating about trade possibilities. If we actually knew these guys markets we’d be employed by major league teams.
SODOMOJO
Rather than actually discuss the players I brought up and their perceived value, some guys like to just piss on other people for speculating.
Samuel
SODOMOJO;
This is the best MLB chatroom available on the Internet.
We have a lot of people like you. But we also have a lot of people that follow MLB and are knowledgeable about it.
SODOMOJO
I’m here to talk baseball. Not compare my knowledge with you in a wiener measuring contest.
bhambrave
Ignore Samuel. Everyone else does.
YourDreamGM
I’d much rather talk to regular fans vs regular fans who think they are experts like Samuel. Failed prospects won’t headline a trade of a player of Reynolds value. Seattle is better at player development than Pittsburgh so if they can’t get them to be good how is Pittsburgh? Will take a couple of top 100 guys or pre arb successful talent.
Ma4170
Hancock straight up won’t get it done. Throw in another high potential prospect or maybe kelenic and Hancock since I don’t think everyone thinks kelenic is a lost cause yet.
A'sfaninUK
I think that Mariners package is great, Reynolds isn’t elite.
SODOMOJO
I agree. I think he’s a solid everyday all around player who has probably seen his best days already as a guy who uses his speed. This is not going to be a Soto package. So what does the next 5 years of his career look like? Who can tell me for sure. Anybody? I could see him falling off a cliff
In Seattle as a hitter (that’s quite common with the sea air) and he hits .240 with 15 home runs and no steals? What kind of prospect package do the Reynolds truthers expect? I am genuinely curious.
Ma4170
@sodo well now you’re just being logical, we’ll have none of that in fake trades! Problem is, the pirates will negotiate off his 2021 season and act like he’s prime Kirby Puckett.
bhambrave
“I think that Mariners package is great, Reynolds isn’t elite.”
Reynolds is better than anyone in the 2023 A’s lineup.
A'sfaninUK
We aren’t talking about the A’s, dummy, but Sean Murphy clears Bryan Reynolds by a million miles. You dont know ball.
bhambrave
I don’t expect Murphy to be with the A’s in 2023. Do you?
You seem to be a very angry, bitter person. Why is that?
stpbaseball 76
a million miles? you’re an idiot
rct
“You seem to be a very angry, bitter person. Why is that?”
He’s an A’s fan living in the UK. Mystery solved.
RunDMC
Reynolds already had a 6.0 bWAR season (2021), while Murphy’s career since 2019 has amounted to a 7.9 bWAR. Sure, the lack of catching depth makes Murphy look like the hot chick in a room of butter-faces, but don’t get it twisted. For a market that has little COF/CF options, Reynolds has 2 years of cheap control with a superstar résumé with no protection AND NOW a public demand for a trade in an obvious rebuild. PIT doesn’t want to dirty the waters of all their young, top prospects and give off the perception isn’t not a great franchise to be in with Reynolds staying put — and not wanting to plant roots.
bhambrave
I agree, Run. To be accurate, they still have 3 years of cheap control.
A'sfaninUK
Talk baseball idiot
Jean Matrac
I agree as well, but they have only 1 more year of “cheap” control. Next season that control will start to get expensive. Teoscar Hernandez is projected to get $14.1M in arbitration for 2023. Reynolds should easily beat that. The $18M projected for Bellinger is probably ballpark for 2025.
RunDMC
That’s all the more reason for PIT to get rid of him. A team like ATL could easily afford that, even if they hadn’t extended him (i.e. Olson).
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Your analysis is solid, your word choice has the stench of misogyny.
bhambrave
Misogyny implies someone who hates women. Calling someone a hot chick implies the opposite.
retire21
You skipped over “butterface”
bhambrave
Misogyny is a hatred of women. If you like some women and don’t like others, is that misogyny? I don’t think so. Everyone has preferences.
rundmc1981
Misogyny?…a silly simile using 5th graders logic directed @A’sFaninUK who has been calling others idiots in this forum. Know thy audience.
Deleted Userr
Andres Muñoz, Matt Brash, Penn Murfee, Jarred Kelenic, Cole Young and Taylor Trammell*
SODOMOJO
Are we trading for 1928 Babe Ruth? Or a guy who had less that 3.0 WAR last year
LOL
A'sfaninUK
Kelenic, Trammell, White plus 1 or 2 guys from the top 20-30 area off the top prospects list is the absolute best offer the Pirates are going to get for him.
Larry Bernandez 1324IM
So then why would they move him with 3 years of team control for guys that we don’t even want on our roster to begin with?
SODOMOJO
With the pirates NOT in contention; one could safely assume that their asking price is going to be young players.
Let’s examine last years trade for Wink and Geno; for example. It was a very similar package to what I am proposing. Ok. MAYBE you can argue that Williamson has a very high ceiling, but in Fraley and Dunn they got guys extremely similar in value to JK and TT, imo.
szielinski
A poor trade for a team is one when that gives up the best player and receives one or more players that might may make the Majors but who will not provide elite production collectively or individually.
Reyonlds is the kind of player most teams can use to make themselves better.
SODOMOJO
@szielinski 100% agree. Bad trades happen all the time. And when discussing any trade there are two schools of thought to entertain: what’s fair, and what’s likely. And the idea of “what’s fair” is totally dependent on the need/desire of the team. The idea of what’s LIKELY is completely up to interpretation.
TrillionaireTeamOperator
Long time coming. Says a lot about the Pirates that anybody with real potential or value wants out ASAP, despite them actually producing a fair amount of talent at the individual player level.
I hope Reynolds gets what he wants and lands somewhere he will earn his true value and get more substantial line up protection.
LFGMets (Metsin7)
You have to be a top 5 mlb player or have atleast 12-15 years in the league to request a trade. The Pirates ownership must of laughed in his face
DTD/ATL1313
Apparently not because he just did
LFGMets (Metsin7)
@DTD The Pirates will not honor his request. This isn’t the NBA. One player does not move the needle enough to where if he sat out, the team wouldn’t be as effected as say Luka Doncic sitting out on the Mavericks
DTD/ATL1313
You never said anything honoring it, you said request, which is lie because he did it and so have others with a lot less clout than he has.
A'sfaninUK
Who told you this lie and why did you believe it so hard that you posted it here, as if it is not a total lie?
misterb71
No, you do not. This is silly.
raulp
Just what the Reds need
drasco036
I’m sick and tired of carrying all the weight, the coaches and owners not giving me the stuff I need to win. Pittsburg, you’re freaking out.
TheMan 3
it’s Pittsburgh with an H, drasco0036
Learn how to spell
MotorCityJack
I would love to see Reynolds in a Tiger uniform! That being said, I don’t think it’ll happen.
Pittsburgh would probably want most of Detroit’s farm system in return. If it were up to me, I would offer Baddoo, Carpenter and a couple of top prospects in return.
Deleted Userr
Padres for Jackson Meriill, Dylan Lesko, Robby Snelling, Samuel Zavala and Steven Wilson works according to BTV.
Andrew Martin
That’d be a huge overpay for Reynolds
dmp13
I would never make this trade
Black_Pearl
Those are really good prospects but the Pirates are no longer looking for 18-19yr old players. They want MLB ready talent in AAA or pre-arb controlled MLBers.
Deleted Userr
The only player the Padres have who fits that billing is Luis Campusano and I don’t think the Pirates would be interested in him because they already have Henry Davis.
Black_Pearl
Exactly.
Brendition90
I wonder what the Jays would have to give up for him? He could split time in CF with Springer..
gogoblue
Jays got surplus of good catchers, which is a rare commodity. I am sure the Pirates don’t want Jansen and the Jays don’t want to part with Moreno, so Kirk would be centerpiece…..
OilCanLloyd
Bucs would want Moreno.
Rollie's Mustache
Endy Rodriguez says hi.
jdgoat
Endy Rodriguez and Henry Davis. I think the Jays would have to trade a catcher for a package of prospects and then turn around and use those prospects to acquire Reynolds. Don’t think they’d be willing to give up Tiedeman.
Moonlight Graham
I’ve been thinking a three-way trade with St. Louis. The Cards get Moreno from Toronto, Pittsburgh gets two of St. Louis’s young hitters (among Gorman, Carlson, Yepez, Nootbar, and Burleson), and Toronto gets Reynolds.
Maybe Toronto would also have to send something extra to Pittsburgh, but that would be the basic framework.
TennVol
Pittsburgh has a couple of great catcher prospects they love and really don’t need Kirk. Plus, Kirk is worth more than Reynolds and would be an overpay in a 1 for 1 deal. Kirk is an all-star and silver slugger at catcher this year with vastly improved defense with 4 years of control at a position with very few good offensive players. Jays would be stupid to trade Kirk for Reynolds.
A'sfaninUK
Both the Jays and Pirates can do better. No shot Pirates block Henry Davis with Kirk.
szielinski
The Pirates have two top shel catching prospects. Trading for another makes no sense. What they lack is good outfielders. Reyonlds asking for a trade just makes the problem worse.4
User 2079935927
Bichette and Conair blowdryer?
touch_the_floor
How bout: To Seattle for Hancock and Kelenic
stpbaseball 76
this seems close. maybe another prospect in Sea 15-25 range
SouthernBuc
Say what you want about BTV but it consistently does a very good job of being close on trades that actually occur. Hancock and Kelenic have entered the fading prospect category and don’t come close to their assigned value for Reynolds.
YourDreamGM
Is Pittsburgh superior at player development than Seattle or something?
bhambrave
William Contreras, Vaughn Grissom and Kyle Muller.
DTD/ATL1313
Reynolds isn’t a good enough player to offer that package.
bhambrave
Maybe not. They don’t really need a catcher anyway. Take out Contreras, add another pitching prospect, and throw in Eddie and $5M.
Drew Waters Bat
You need to stop.
tstats
I dont hate that framework ngl
YourDreamGM
Pittsburgh would take that in a second. Any 2 elite young talent gets it done. 3 would be overkill and teams won’t pay it.
TennVol
Well, the Jays need a lefty CF and although Reynolds is only average defensively, he would fill that void well offensively once he gets away from a losing culture. Any player that plays wants to win and winning and being successful raises their game. Coming to the AL East with their ballparks would help his career as well. All depends on what the Pirates want in return. This time last year they could have received a king’s ransom, now, it will be a decent return but now as big. Looking forward to seeing how this goes.
YourDreamGM
Everything I heard they could not receive a kings ransom or even fmv.
PirateCity
Are any of you on here Pirates fans,. It seems like most of you are failing at being humourous instead
alwaysgo4two
Us Pirates fans are used to it, and we’ve heard all of the “jokes” before.
bucsfan0004
Huntington read these forums and got some great ideas before trading Cole and Glasnow/Meadows/Baz
ohyeadam
This could help the Pirates right the ship
A'sfaninUK
I’m not a Pirates fan, but I am a massive Bob Nutting hater. Anything bad that happens to the Pirates is directly due to that loser. I’m not trying to be funny, that stinks, and as an A’s fan, we are in the exact same boat (except you got a pretty new stadium).
TheMan 3
Nutting is the most hated person in all of Pittsburgh sports
That is a fact
I speak the truth
I personally can’t stand Ben Roethlisberger but Nutting still beats him.
AlOliver4HOF
At least Nutting isn’t a rapist.
YourDreamGM
I am a fan of how the pirates operate other than the awful owner. Love their trades and under value free agent signings.
touch_the_floor
To Seattle for Hancock and Kelenic
hllywdjff
I like that deal. Throw in flexen for a minor leaguer to sweeten the pot
jtkuch
Not even close
YourDreamGM
Failed prospects aren’t headliners for all star caliber players.
Black_Pearl
Everyone offers trash for treasure
Didlz
I don’t think he has to worry about being traded.
Cincyfan85
I feel like things are finally starting to come together for the Pirates. This is the last thing they need.
DXUPAC
I may be in the minority but I’ve never thought PGH should hold on to Reynolds. He is a solid, everyday OF who will make nearly every team better. That consistency carries real value in the trade market. PGH needs SP, RP, OF, and 1B. Should be able to score a few of those pieces with a Reynolds trade.
flamingbagofpoop
I think the issue is pretty much that teams want to buy at the 3-4 win type of player price and PIT wants to sell at the 5-6 win type of player price.
DXUPAC
Agreed but it’s only applicable in a vacuum. Market forces dictate Reynolds’ trade value. In any case, I would like to see him goto a team that can give us a few major league ready (or nearly ready) players that will be solid. Don’t need the next Mike Trout, just some guys that keep us competitive.
Chris Koch
Teams are saving a boatload of money for 3-4WAR. That’s why the asking price is 6WAR type.
YourDreamGM
I never wanted him extended. They have him until he is 31. Let another team pay him the most money for his worst years.
JackStrawb
He’s good enough that he’d be worth extending for a couple of FA years—and he’s the kind of player who should jump at locking down 20m each for his age 32 and 33 seasons. I’d hate to have him until he’s 36, though.
YourDreamGM
Having to hit free agency at 33 34 wouldn’t appeal to me as a player. 31 sounds much better. Would be great for the Pirates to do though.
alwaysgo4two
There may be a reason for this before the Winter Meetings. Trade me or get an extension done, and not neccesarily anything about the city or team.
A'sfaninUK
What? Its the PIRATES dude, they are the one of the worst franchises to play for in the MLB due to the man at the top, Bob Nutting, being a scammer and a clueless idiot loser with no idea what he’s doing.
alwaysgo4two
Stay in your lane, bub, and in your case the opposite one.
TheMan 3
I beg to differ. A’sfan
Nutting knows exactly what he’s doing
Making on average $40 million in profit since he bought the franchise
Oldman58
Negotiation ploy. Pittsburgh will up the dollar amount ,he’ll sign and be traded before the 2024 season
A'sfaninUK
Nope, approx zero MLB players request trades and then stay with the team, this isn’t KD on the Nets.
alwaysgo4two
Well… that’s 2 of us who see through this. Sign extension or trade.
Dustyslambchops23
Wish the jays lined up better for this
Central Valley
How’s his glove/defense?
gogoblue
Average to slightly below average
Samuel
gogoblue;
Maybe in LF, definitely not in CF. And his arm is weak and inaccurate.
Throw the defensive stats out which are a joke. Watch some Pirates games. (Frankly, I was stunned after what I’d read about him. As bad as I’ve seen in a while.)
Maybe a change to a decent team takes the pressure off and he’ll play better.
A'sfaninUK
Bryan Reynolds is a bat-first LF and always has been, how do you not know this?
YourDreamGM
Belongs in lf. He is solid there with a weak weak arm. For cf he doesn’t have the range. Will catch what he gets to. Good at sliding catches, ok at diving, weak at the wall.
bucsfan0004
At PNC, you need your best range guy/defender in left. He played a fine center field
Four4fore
Should interest around 29 teams.
3768902
Maybe Twins can make a package around Larnach or Wallner? Could use a RH capable batting OF…
A'sfaninUK
Bro, what? Bryan Reynolds is worth 100x more than that lol
Dom2
Back to San Francisco.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Dodgers trade Gavin Stone, Michael Grove and Ryan Pepiot, in return for Reynolds. Willing to substitute Michael Busch for any one of them if Pirates prefer.
Mr. LaForge, make it so.
stpbaseball 76
that’s probably a good framework value wise
A'sfaninUK
Bob Nutting and John Fisher belong in prison for holding MLB teams hostage just to personally steal money from them, and having zero intent of making MLB a better product on-field.
Rangers29
Rangers. Do it.
helveteking69
I can see him going to the Angels.
D*ckin the dog
To play where? Outfields already accounted for.
Dorothy_Mantooth
Angels OF is all set with Ward, Trout, Renfroe and of course the budding “superstar” Jo Adell as the 4th option.
User 2079935927
Mantooth-Watch that Superstar crap. Adell hasn’t shown anything. Yet…. He has one decent game followed by four bad ones. Hopefully a new Batting instuctor will help.He tries to do too much in every at bat.
The Natural
Pretty sure Mantooth was being sarcastic re: Adell
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Winslow the quote marks were the give-away
Dorothy_Mantooth
Thank you, The Natural. I’m glad someone figured that out. If figured the quotes would give it away.
User 2079935927
We have enough OF’s
chrcritter
means nothing to the Pirates who still control him for 3 more years
Yanks2
Basically
5TUNT1N
MLB players making nba moves!
FireJames
David Villar and Patrick Bailey for him?
rememberthecoop
I’m a little bit concerned that he’s going to sell out for more home runs, since that’s where the big money is in MLB. But it comes at the cost of BA & OBP. And of course it usually leads to more strikeouts and less contact overall. Don’t get me wrong – he still had a terrific year in ’22, but we’re starting to see that. I’d prefer 18- 20 homers with a .390 OBP over 25-30 home runs and a .340 OBP. That said, he obviously has great value and would fetch a couple of your teams top prospects if he were made available in trade. Maybe now the Bucs will be more open to the idea as opposed to having a disgruntled player. I hope so, that would be fun.
Black_Pearl
I think that’s what happened this past year. There’s no real threat anywhere else in the lineup with youngsters batting .200. He could put up really good numbers on a contender where he is not the sole producer.
Mendoza Line 215
Return-Reynolds being traded to a good hitting team would only increase his RBI’s.If New York Yankees,he may hit more home runs due to the shorter porch in right field.However,going to a high pressure team in a City like that could have the opposite affect.He also could try to pull the ball more when batting left handed and adversely affect his average and OBP Being traded to a better hitting team is not the panacea that some may think.
Black_Pearl
Or he could play in Atlanta, or Minn which is nothing like NYC. Nothing is a guarantee, but a strong, or even average, lineup would offer protection and could easily enhance his play. I’m not saying he’ll hit 40hr and drive in 120, but this notion isn’t a leap.
Blank Frank
Go get him Friedman! Cartaya, Pepiot and Busch should do it.
stpbaseball 76
cartaya is probably an overpay Pittsburgh doesn’t need
Blank Frank
Yeah, you’re right. I didn’t know Bucs already had Henry Davis.
YourDreamGM
Endy Rodriguez is the bigger issue.
Gterm
As a Pirates fan, it just keeps getting worse. Reynolds deserves more money and I hope Nutting faces backlash for being cheap and getting away with it year after year. Instead of signing a 35 year old 1B and chasing a 35 year old pitcher hoping to flip them at the deadline. Spend some damn money and build around him.
YourDreamGM
Reynolds has and will continue to get paid what his union agreed to. I can’t blame any owner for not extending someone they control until age 31.
cpdpoet
Oneil Cruz has entered the chat…………w/ pen and legal pad…..
Samuel
cpdpoet;
Problem was that he dropped the legal pad, and while he threw the pen really really fast, he threw it wildly and it went out the window.
DefensiveIndifference
This made me laugh
touch_the_floor
Lmao
As a pirates fan….true ‘dat
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Samuel actually said something really funny without being condescending. Well played!
YourDreamGM
First not awful comment I ever seen from Sam. Actually really good.
Hired Gun 23
Preller has pursued him before and he’ll be in on trying to get him, if indeed he becomes available. I think you’d need a 3rd team involved in this though since prosects will be the main focus for the Pirates…
Samuel
HiredGun23;
The Pirates have so many prospects their 40 man roster is loaded.
What they need are some young, fundamentally strong major league baseball players that can produce today.
Hired Gun 23
You can never have enough talent. And those you cannot keep, you trade. Reynolds can fetch more in a trade than as a player who stays and plays.
Samuel
HiredGun23;
Watch this weekend. MLB is going to hold what they call the ‘Rule 5 Draft’.
You might want to look into how that works.
Hired Gun 23
It’s next week, and a team ready to compete doesn’t do so through the Rule 5. To think Pittsburgh only needs a few pieces to compete is optimistic to say the least. And even if they find a way to win more than they lose, will they really keep the players that got them there by offering them lengthy contracts? They’ll sell them off and start the process all over again in a few years…no?
Samuel
HiredGun23;
Teams that have too many prospects lose some in the Rule 5 Draft.
So “You can never have enough talent” doesn’t apply when discussing a MLB teams prospects.
Hired Gun 23
Trade them, play them but dont just give them away. But maybe you’re right, Pittsburgh isn’t in it to win it, not anytime soon anyways so why assemble and develop with an eye on keeping them to help build a winner. Question…what year is this of the rebuild?
Mendoza Line 215
Samuel- That is what NH tried to do and was quite often successful
There is little room left on the roster.
They need at least three blue chip prospects because prospects do not often turn out well.
Reynolds gets attention because he is a fine young controllable player who is also the only one on the team that is proven.However,he is really a left fielder and was not even an all star this year.
They need to get a Starter and a reliever that have proven themselves in AAA and at least one other player,preferably a catcher or first baseman.
Hopefully,he does not think that he can dictate anything.
If the Pirates move Bae to CF and especially if Cruz eventually goes to RF they will have too many outfielders.He will be gone by the trading deadline in 2024 if they are not in contention for the playoffs.
YourDreamGM
Only Samuel would put one of the fastest players with one of the strongest arms at dh. At least put him in rf or even 1b being 6 foot 7.
Domingo111
They should just trade him. The pirates have build up their system but still they are at least 2 years away from competing.
So better trade him now and get a couple prospects that can help them from 2024-2030 which could be their next competitive window if everything goes right.
YourDreamGM
They’ve been trying for quite awhile.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Red Sox should jump all over this. A switch hitter at Fenway is a huge asset to have
rememberthecoop
Any team would benefit from having a switch hitter.
Jrnomo100
Carlson liberties and Hudson for him
DefensiveIndifference
Pirates already want a ton for him. They would make the Cards pay more than every other team. I like him, but there is an absolute zero chance of Reynolds going to the Cardinals.
ChiSoxCity
A certain team based in the southside of Chicago could use him, but what do I know?
rememberthecoop
What do you know? Not much. That said, yes, I’m sure Hahn would love to get him, but it would cost Oscar Colas & Colson Montgomery plus maybe a couple lower level players to get their attention. Sox might as well go all in – this is supposed to be their window of contention.
The Natural
@remember :You seemed to have the jerk market cornered nicely. Congrats
ChiSoxCity
Why do people say this every time the Sox are mentioned in a trade? “Oh, they’ll have to give up every prospect in their system to get…blah blah”. Then said player ends up getting traded for table scraps. Back to reality—a couple of AA pitching prospects should be enough to get a trade done.
Domingo111
I don’t think so. Fans tend to overrate prospect quantity. They always suggest that your team should trade 5 of their 20-30 ranked prospects but really those 20+ ranked guys in the farm system (40 fv) have no value, they are at best bench guys and 10 of them are not worth more than 1, in fact losing some of them might be a plus because it clears minor league roster spots.
Because of this you need to give up quality, a couple of random prospects is not getting it done because the other team already has random prospects and getting 4 random prospects means you have to release 4 random prospects of yours, i. E the trade Doesn’t improve you at all.
Because of that you need to at least get guys in the 10-12 range (45fv) or maybe top 15 in an absolute top system.
ChiSoxCity
Nobody’s unloading their farm for this guy.
flamingbagofpoop
Because the sox farm system is bad and those, “table scraps” = top prospects in their system.
“A couple AA pitching prospects” has such a massive range of value depending on who they are that a statement like that means almost nothing.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
This comes right after the Rangers sign deGrom. Fangraphs projected them at 80 wins, and deGrom gets them to 85-86 maybe (with lots of variation – add 8 if he pitches 200 and only 3 or 4 if he is injured, especially compared to the 5+ ERA guys they were throwing out there). Reynolds can get them to 90 wins maybe. Trade Foscue, Acuna, Duran, Smith, White, Harris, and maybe some other minor leaguers for him? They can even offer him an extension on top of next year’s salary of 6/80 million, which is really like 4/60 and maybe see if he accepts this early on.
Jesse Chavez enthusiast
Requesting a trade to me is such a spoiled thing to do in my opinion. You don’t see anybody else doing it do you? Just because your on a team that’s not competing at the moment doesn’t mean you get to choose what the team does with you. It’s not how it works, this isn’t the NBA. I don’t know it could just be me but that doesn’t seem like the right thing to do.
Yanks2
He has the right to request it but doesn’t enough have the power to make the team trade him
bhambrave
If you played for a team that was making zero effort to win, or to even be competitive, wouldn’t you prefer to get traded to a team that was trying? I know I would. He doesn’t have a say in what the team does, but he does have the right to express his opinion. Should he have done it behind closed doors? Absolutely, but maybe he’s been doing that for a long time, and nothing’s changed. Going public puts a little pressure on the team to put up or shut up.
Yanks2
He could’ve just opted to not sign with Pittsburgh when they drafted him if he knew what a garbage organization it was
bhambrave
They didn’t draft him. He was traded by the Giants.
Jean Matrac
The Pirates didn’t draft him. He was traded by the Giants for Andrew McCutchen. Reynolds had no choice in the matter. He had to go to Pittsburgh.
Jesse Chavez enthusiast
Sure I would, but I would do my job knowing as an arbitration eligible player I had little say on where I played. I sure wouldn’t open my mouth to the media and say I wanted out of there. I would try to do my job to the best of my ability and wait for free agency, where I could decide where I played. Just like everyone else does. This is the way it’s been for a long time.
Jesse Chavez enthusiast
I get why, to me the question is why he thinks he deserves special treatment that no one else gets. People are traded everyday and they don’t get any say in the matter either. I’m not trying to be a ass but why should he get different treatment. What if every arb player request trades?
bhambrave
If he’s frustrated and wants to play on a better team that’s willing to pay him more, why shouldn’t he say so? He’s not a slave.
bucsfan0004
He’s an arb-eligible player. His salary is purely based on his on-field production, OPS+, defensive metrics, etc.
bucsfan0004
Maybe Frazier straight up
Jesse Chavez enthusiast
He’s not a slave and I definitely respect your opinion but that is not his decision to make bham. That’s just not the way things work. The first 6 years of a career are a teams control. Whether it’s right or not (that’s a completely different discussion). He isn’t any different than any other player and shouldn’t get special treatment that other players don’t get. You shouldn’t go to the media to try to force a teams hand. Nobody else is acting this way. Thanks for having this conversation without all the name calling and other stuff though, it’s refreshing to find civil disagreement instead of the insulting and talking down to each other I see all the time. So I thank you for that!
Jean Matrac
I think you’re incorrect that no one else acts this way. Reynold isn’t the first MLB guy to request a trade, and he won’t be the last. This story has traction due to his talent, season’s of trade speculation, and season’s of the Pirates continuing stance to hold on to him.
But I see this as no different than someone asking for a transfer, military or otherwise. Or even asking your boss for a raise. Plus, none of us knows every aspect of the situation. But it is his right to look out for himself. The decision may not be his, but he still should be allowed to make the request.
bhambrave
I understand what you’re saying, but do we know that Reynolds went public? He might have said behind closed doors that he wanted a trade, and it got leaked. We also don’t know how many other players have quietly requested trades that were never reported. He (and any other player) can request trades all day long. That’s not special treatment, imo. The team is under no compulsion to trade him. Now, if he got up on a podium at the winter meetings and DEMANDED a trade, that would be different.
Jesse Chavez enthusiast
True, I don’t know if it was leaked or not, you make a solid point there and tad, my main problem was him telling the media, but bham made a fair point it could have been leaked I don’t know .
Jean Matrac
I would like to point out that just this past season the Rangers traded Willie Calhoun to the Giants, because he requested a trade after being sent down to the minors. This is a big story, and the Calhoun story wasn’t, because of who Reynolds and Calhoun are. I also think there’s a difference between requesting a trade, and demanding one, and by all accounts it was a request that Reynolds made.
flamingbagofpoop
He shouldn’t say so because it’s a bad look. He’s really only hurting himself by doing it.
flamingbagofpoop
Requesting a trade after a team doesn’t think you’re a ML talent is also different than requesting a trade cuz they won’t give you as much money as you want…
flamingbagofpoop
No one is making him cash their checks.
stretch123
To Marlins for Edward Cabrera, Braxton Garrett and JJ Bleday
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Edward Cabrera, Max Meyer and Sixto Sanchez, keep your JJ.
SupremeZeus
Buccos perpetually building for a day that will never come under that ownership. Nutting is bad for Pittsburgh and MLB. It is 2022, several Billionaires would lineup to buy that franchise. Pirates fans deserve better.
emac22
A player not wanting to be there has zero impact on your decision to keep him?
Maybe it’s time to hire someone who makes decisions based on available information instead of whatever stupid rules he learned when he started.
BigRedMachine
The M’s need to get an offer in on Mr. Reynolds. He fits perfectly into the teams remaining needs…Does Kelenic & Hancock get it done? Throw in another minor leaguer for three for one….
Yanks2
PIT gets: Torres, German, and LeMahieu
NYY gets: Reynolds
Who says no?
2020Sucks 2
The Pirates would say no. Why would a non-contending team want to trade their biggest trading chip, for two players that are going to be free agents in 2 years? On top of that, you’re asking a mid market, low spending team to pay a 34 year old $15M a year until he is 39.
When you step back and think about it, does your scenario makes sense for the Pirates?
Yanks2
LeMahieu can play every position in the infield aside from C. Torres has lethal offense and plays good 2B. German is a 3rd starter on the Pirates
acquaformosa
It’s really kind of asinine. $15M per year would be almost a third of the entire Pirates payroll (or more). I don’t care if LeMahieu also works concessions (though Nutting might like that), but these are the sorts of proposals that only Yankees fans seem to float. Sorry… not trying to take it out on you, but I see these things so frequently, as if to suggest teams like the Yankees or Dodgers have a sense of entitlement to every decent player on a low-market team, as if they’re another farm team.
Also, the Pirates must have three of four decent prospects fighting it out in a competition for 2b. The last thing they need is another fair-to-decent second baseman.
YourDreamGM
Pirates want prospects or guys making under 800 grand. Not old LeMahieu and his bloated contract.
joew
sorry to Necro but this is the craziest thing Ive read that wasn’t an obvious joke. Clearly not up on the Pirates position right now.
TL;DR: not happening
none of the players fit the profile the pirates are going for at this time. near mlb ready prospects not mlb players. They got to be younger players with 5+ years of control. (as headlines)
Come back with an initial offer of something like Dominguez, Peraza, Gill then you get Bens attention.
Yankees only one elite type prospect in Volpe and his performance thus far hasn’t been impressive not that MiLB performance is that important for prospects of his caliber. Yankees probably take him off the table anyway.
bhambrave
Yeah, that proposal’s crazy.
Bruin1012
It absolutely does not make sense. The Pirates aren’t adding salary they want near ready MLB talent for Reynolds Yanks2 your proposal does not make sense at all.
Bruin1012
Except they didn’t draft him he was traded to Pittsburg from the Giants.
Jean Matrac
Pirates…quickly.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Here is a more realistic scenario:
Pirates say no to an earlier offer to obtain high salaried players
Pirates offer Reynolds and Bednar for Volpe and Devi Garcia.
Yankees counter with O. Peraza, L. Gil and R. Vasquez for Reynolds and Bednar.
Pirates counter with just Reynolds for Peraza, Gil and Vasquez.
Yankees sign Judge or Nimmo.
CaseyAbell
Seems like the trade request came a year too late. Reynolds had a great 2021 but took a big step backwards in 2022. I’m not sure the Pirates can get big talent for him now, even if they wanted to trade him.
YourDreamGM
They couldn’t get big talent for him in 2021 either.
joew
He is still pretty much the top OF talent semi-available via trade and that’s not taking into account his multi year control
But he should be moved out of center field back to left.
ASapsFables
The Pirates better hurry up and trade Bryan Reynolds because in two offseasons he may be well behind pending free agent LF Juan Soto.
joew
yeah or extend him.
Rumors2godsears
When these statements get out it’s pretty much the player letting the team run its business plan. He’s pretty much saying he won’t sign a free agent contract and so you either ride him out and he leaves or you can get what you can for me. I know this is a duh statement but sometimes I feel the players aren’t this transparent with their teams and it either gives the team a false hope of retaining the player where they are left with nothing. I take Xander Bogearts as an example, he didn’t really quite come out and say this and now the Red Sox instead of trading him for a solid package felt a false sense of hope of retaining him and they will be left with nothing but draft pick compensation.
pirateking24
Not surprised. Reynolds saw that you can be average and still get a $70m contract with the Pirates. He wanted similar and Nutting said a contact like that happens once a decade and too bad.
2020Sucks 2
Let’s Go Houston!!!! Trade for Reynolds!!!!
Blank Frank
Generally, I agree with you that asking for a trade is rather bush league. But who knows what the Bucs have been promising Reynolds versus what they are delivering. I mean if Pittsburgh tells Reynolds the team is going to spend money and start competing, and then their big move is to sign Carlos Santana, then I can understand the frustration of playing year after year for a losing team and not seeing anything changing in the near future.
Samuel
Blank Frank;
I had a lot of hopes for the Pirates rebuild. Many Pirate fans on here complained about it. So I countered them on here to give it time. Then I watched a number of Pirates games late last year and this year. What they wrote was correct. That team plays sloppy, lazy baseball….and most importantly – dumb baseball. I don’t know if most of them aren’t learning fundamentals in the minors, or if they’re just not very talented.
I see the Bryan Reynolds request in a different way than others….I don’t think it’s the money. I think he’s fully aware that the rebuild is not working anytime soon, and he wants to compete. No player on a team can watch an unqualified player tell management that he won’t change a position when it’s obvious he can’t play it. Then see the manager and all FO people back down and grovel. Then they have to being in 87 year-old Carlos Santana to try to get through to the kid. Sorry, quality organizations aren’t run this way.
Mendoza Line 215
Samuel- Please get your facts straight.
Santana is only 76.
jvent
Welcome to the Mets (Mauricio,Allan,Lee and a minor leaguer) should do it, than Nimmo can go to Colorado lol
Black_Pearl
The Pirates aren’t looking for teenagers and Lee is garbage
ray714
Just the type of player the Dodgers love..
Dorothy_Mantooth
He’d be a great addition for the Rangers but I think the Rangers are depending on some of their top prospects (Jung, etc..) to be part of their major league roster this season to help balance out their top-heavy payroll. If Jung and 1 or 2 more prospects shine in year 1, the Rangers might finally make some noise this year. I can see Texas signing Rodon as well this offseason. They are all in and desperate for a playoff appearance. The owner has tons of money too.
StPeteStingRays
He’s gonna look great in a Tampa Bay uniform!
MannyPineappleExpress9
Pirates want twice the production before they’ll cave and give him more money. They’ve already penciled him in at leadoff and 5th in the batting order. Devising a contingency plan to potentially also bat him 7th, but mlb (so far) refuses to change the rule to allow a player who is pinch run for to remain in the game.
If mlb changes their stance, the Pirates will offer an extra $250k..in bitcoin.
scottn59c
If your surname was “Shoemaker” two hundred years ago, your family’s occupation was probably making shoes.
What do you suppose the Nuttings did for a living?
jimmyz
His dad sold newspapers actually. Which since that a dying business kinda amounts to Nutting now. Bob sold his ski resort last year and bought a whiskey company though. Big upgrade in my opinion.
sportsguy24/7
He signed the deal last year so honor it. If he wants to be traded because he doesn’t like his deal, he should get another agent (since he negotiated that deal) or suck it up and ball out this year. He sounds like a petulant child who wants to take his toys and go home. No loyalty from this kid. SMH
.
Sportsguy, “petulant child” hahahaha GIMME GIMME GIMME!!!!!!
bhambrave
No one has said he isn’t honoring his deal. The team has control of him with or without the deal. Where did that come from?
Dorothy_Mantooth
He just wants to play for a competitive team. This is baseball so he has no control over his salary and if a new team acquires him, they will probably let him get through arbitration unless he’s willing to sign a team friendly extension. Reynolds has not said a word about wanting more money; he just wants to play for a winning organization or at least for a team who is actively trying to win.
.
Reynolds is holding out for a 200 mil contract no doubt.
bwmiller
id send him to AAA Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Jaysfan
Lol. Yep…good Ole Saskatchewan! Was -42C with wind chill on Friday(-43.6 Fahrenheit!)
bhambrave
To be fair to Reynolds, I haven’t seen any reports that he went to the press. All I’ve seen is that “per sources”, he wants a trade.
solaris602
That’s a pretty big factor. If a player genuinely wants traded, the last thing he or his agent should do is leak it to the media. Keeping it hush allows the FO to revisit the teams who’ve been inquiring over the past year, and take the best offer. Now that the world knows he’s requested a trade it not only damps down the return, the team/player relationship is gonna suck for the duration of his time there.
bhambrave
We don’t know where the leak came from, if there was one. It might not have come from the player’ side. It could have come from someone who works for the team.
tiredolddude
I like Reynolds. He’s a good player, but he’s nothing near the idea of superstar. I get it. In Pittsburgh, he’s all we have for homers and RBI and he wants paid.
Put him on the Pirates teams of a decade or so ago, with Cutch and company, and you likely don’t get this reaction from him. But he’s playing here in baseball Siberia, and it’s clear to him this team won’t be competing anytime soon
Trade him for guys on *real* prospects on the cusp of breaking through, especially pitchers
WillieS
Your in the minority… have you seriously watched him?
DBH1969
Am I the only one who thinks this actually makes it harder to trade him for a good return? Now teams will just wait the situation out. This whole thing can become like a cancer in clubhouse. Not that Reynolds has been disgruntled outwardly, but now EVERYONE knows the dude wants the quickest horse out of town.
Why would you over pay for a guy that Pit now HAS to get rid of?
Deleted Userr
Who besides you says they HAVE to get rid of him? If enough things break their way it is entirely possible for then to make the postseason in at least 1 of the next 3 seasons.
I speak the truth
Because you’re competing against 29 other teams. There isn’t a team in the Majors that wouldn’t be better with Reynolds it their lineup. The Pirates still control him for three years. In no way does this diminish the return. The Pirates started this off season saying that they aren’t trading him. Offered what they felt was a competitive extension which he laughed at. How about this. Maybe the Pirates already have the frame work done on a trade and this news is to soften the PR blow in Pittsburgh when a trade is actually completed? Semper Fi Brother!
DBH1969
Semper Fi, Bro.
I not thought of this in reverse, Truth. You could be right. Great play by Pitt if that is the case. Some Ninja type stuff if it is true.
I just know getting traded from the Giants to Pit would make me wonder what I did to make the Baseball Gods hate me lol.
YourDreamGM
The other 29 teams know Bob Nutting and know he can care less about clubhouse atmosphere.
misterb71
Even if the Pirates gave Reynolds a $70 million deal to match Hayes, the important question should be how many years was the offer for? If it was 3-4 years then it’s possible the deal was reasonable. Knowing the Pirates they offered $70 million over 5 or more years in which case they cheaped out and don’t want to talk about the length of the deal, only the value.
YourDreamGM
Reasonable for Reynolds to want to be a free agent at 34 35? Extension has no interest to him unless it pays him for the rest of his career.
Rsox
Interesting situation because demanding a trade actually helps diminish his trade value. Put up the numbers and he’ll get his wish, eventually
.
No Rsox. He needs immediate satisfaction..
zeuz1
Bring him to San Diego!
Jean Matrac
The idea that him requesting a trade diminishes his value is silly. That would be the case if he was a marginal player with limited interest from other teams. And it also would if the Pirates had to trade him, but they don’t. It matters when a team doesn’t have to make a trade. Since multiple teams see Reynolds as a desired asset to acquire, his value will be derived from the competitive bidding from those teams, not any trade request.
DBH1969
what if other teams see this a player who complains and runs to the media. not saying that is the case, but is it the perception?
Jean Matrac
Talent and the ability to produce count for more than the perception of a complainer. Teams could also see a positive in the request, thinking here’s a competitor that isn’t happy with losing and drawing a paycheck.
Do you seriously think that the teams that were interested before have cooled in their desire to acquire him? I think that’s highly doubtful.
websoulsurfer
What will diminish his trade value is holding on to him. Every month he is in a Pirates uniform, the teams interested in trading for him have less team control.
He is on a very team friendly contract right now, but that won’t be the situation next offseason when he is looking at $14 million in arbitration.
The Pirates absolutely will be trading him before next offseason. The only question is Nutting so hurt in the behind by this trade demand that he will allow Cherington to do the right thing and maximize Reynolds value in trade?
jimthegoat
1/$14m would still be very team friendly considering Reynolds’ production.
TheMan 3
I agree but Nutting’s a cheapskate, profits are more important to him than putting a competitive team on the field
He’s admitted as much and he’s the most hated person in all of Pittsburgh sports
That’s not an exaggeration either
bhambrave
I’m curious what people think Reynolds is worth. 6/90? 6/120? More? Less?
bigdaddyk
I have thought for a while he would target the 6/150 springer got
AvidAstrosFan
It’s kind of surprising that he signed an extension with the Pirates. Sounds like he is committed for these 2 years. It might be in Pitts best interest to trade him if he isn’t happy though. Get some building blocks that will be happy to get some MLB time. An owner that’s not willing to stay competitive has to except that reality.
bhambrave
The owner has accepted that reality and has been following that strategy ad infinitum. That’s why the fans are so frustrated.
Jean Matrac
AvidAstrosFan, He did not sign an extension. That implies he was about to be a FA. He wasn’t. When he signed the deal he was arb eligible for the next 4 years. He agreed to a deal buying out his arbitration last season and next. He’s still under team control for 2 years after that.
66TheNumberOfTheBest
Trading him was the smart move BEFORE this happened.
A gift fell into their lap (being able to trade him and make him the bad guy) and they are tossing it right into the dumpster.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
I tend to agree.
That is why players and the F.O. should have candid conversations.
The fact that a player requested a trade does not decrease the player’s marketability unless the player was rude about it.
And it gives the owner some cover with the fans.
websoulsurfer
As if Nutting ever cared about cover with the fans. Nutting cares about lining his pockets. Even the other owners don’t like him and the way he runs that team.
TheMan 3
The state of Pennsylvania tried to audit his books because he has an agreement to use PNC Park, which was built on the funds of the taxpayers but he refused to open his books claiming he’s a private owner and not subject to state audits
solaris602
Reynolds: “I’m requesting a divorce.”
PIT: “Gentle player, with deepest regret we must inform you that your request has been carefully considered, but it has been declined. Have a nice day…….AND a better season next year than you did in 2022. With all due respect, Bob Nutting”
THEY LIVE!!!
Word of advice to Reynolds. Hire yourself a PI to find dirt on Nutting and the owner to get better leverage. If you don’t find any dirt on them start a rumor that the owner is a Russian agent.
angt222
I’d rather Mets trade for and extend Reynolds than sign Nimmo.
bhambrave
“Word of advice to Reynolds. Hire yourself a PI to find dirt on .. the owner to get better leverage.”
I’m convinced that’s what Keith Lockhart did in Atlanta to keep his job for so long.
billybilly
Tough guy to trade for. He’s a FA in 2026 which is good. He’s 28 when next season starts which is not so good. For what the Pirates will want for him because of his service time he’s not worth it. If he was 23 or 24 it would be a different scenario because he would have more projectivity.
YourDreamGM
If he was 23 24 they either wouldn’t trade him or would extend him.
leftcoaster
He’ll end up with the Dodgers. Book it Danno.
sensiblepiratesfan
The Pirats still have 3 years of control and if he wants to get paid he still has to go through the arbitration process so if he tanks to get them to trade him he will lose money. This is just his agent trying to get more money when he has a weak bargaining position. I hope it works out or the pirates get a good return.
YourDreamGM
He can tank and arbitration will still go up.
honalieh
Agreed.
He has two options : (1) Go year to year, and go through the arbitration process, or (2) sign a long=term contract. Statistically speaking, he would probably be better off signing a long-term contract.
Historically, players prime years have been ages 27-31. He will be entering his age 31 season when he is eligible for free agency. He is a very good player, but not a superstar. Hitting free agency at age 31 is not likely to get him a lucrative long-term contract.
To me, a long-term contract for him should be something around 6/72 (12 M/Yr avg).. through age 33. Or, we keep him for what should be his best 3 years for a little less than 1/2 that (arbitration), and let someone else pay for the decline.
You don’t trade him unless the return IMPROVES THE TEAM (Now, and in the future—not just hoping for the future with maybe prospects).
waldfee
Quote: “… the Bucs’ rebuild is beginning to show signs of life and it’s not unthinkable that they’re in a position to contend in the NL Central by 2024-25.”
I’m not sure what the writer of this blog post has been smoking but it surely must have induced some fantastic hallucinations. Probably the same stuff Nutting and his cohorts consume while slapping together their press releases.
Spotrac assesses Reynolds’ market value at 8 years and $179 million. Knowing the Pittsburgh Cheapskates, they probably offered him something in the vicinity of the interest on that sum.
TheMan 3
They do have players with the potential of being better than the last few seasons, waldfee
Apparently you don’t know much about the Pirates except for how cheap the owner is
waldfee
“Potential”? Which players are you talking about?
Strikeout and error machine Oneil Cruz at SS? Or an overhyped Ke’Bryan Hayes, who hits .244 with 7 HR and a .659 OPS at 3B?
The Cheapskates just traded away one of their few serviceable MLB-level players in Kevin Newman in exchange for a middling AAA pitcher. Remember when Pirates fans told anyone who’d listen about the fabulous Cole Tucker as their future franchise SS, although the guy couldn’t hit his way out of a wet paper bag?
The only thing the Pirates have in abundance is the FO’s perennial propaganda regarding the franchise’s “potential” and the oh-so imminent contention for titles..
TheMan 3
There’s more to this team than Hayes and Cruz
Hayes was the runner up for the GG the past two years and after Cruz hired his own hitting coach his strikeouts decreased, he took more pitches resulting in more walks, and began hitting the ball to the opposite field.
Newman was traded because they have 4 younger infielders and someone had to go.
Castillo, Bae, Cruz and Castro.
Mitch Keller finally figured things out and threw more sinkers and sliders than his fastball.
waldfee
Cruz is NOT an infielder.
The Pirates might think so, but that only further demonstrated how stupid and uninterested in real improvements their FO is.
brucenewton
Yanks Cabrera, Dominquez and Wells.
Poster formerly known as . . .
I think you can forget about Dominguez coming back in that trade.
66TheNumberOfTheBest
As it stands now, the Pirates don’t have the critical mass of prospects a cheap small market team would need ever hope to compete.
Collecting more high picks this year AND next (yeah, they will be bad again next year, too) AND trading Reynolds to add to the existing pile is the only way they might achieve that critical mass.
YourDreamGM
Going to be hard to get a high draft pick unless they get lucky in lottery. They have too much talent and depth to be one of the 5 worst teams again.
1090198
They should either sign him long term now or trade him a get some good vaulted for him. He is a good player who could help us win in the future but if he isn’t happy I would rather get some good players to replace him
1090198
Trade him now while u can get something for him
1090198
Trade him
Deleted Userr
The Giants traded him (and Kyle Crick) for one year of Andrew McCutchen.
MarlinsFanBase
So, now is the time for Kim Ng to call the Pirates again and say, “You’ll take my offer and accept it this time or I start decreasing the offer!”
Gwynning's Anal Lover
I don’t blame him. It’s got to be depressing playing there.
Prospectnvstr
formerdraftpick: Yeah, it’s got to be VERY DEPRESSING to get paid close to a MILLION DOLLARS a year. One more year then he will make multi millions.
Black_Pearl
He made $6.75m last and will again this coming season. The year after will probably be $12-14m via arbitration.
Gwynning's Anal Lover
I gave you a thumbs up on your post, but I think the guy wants to compete and wants to be respected for it.
panj341
Hayes contract was a slap in the face to him.
He is a much better player with more seniority and should have been given an extended contract first. Not surprised he wants out from this organization.
Chris Koch
You got 3 more years. Wouldn’t trade him and be petty now. Y2Y after this season. Offer up a QO and peace out. Why does he believe he’s better than all the rest of his MLBPA and above the guidelines to that agreed upon team controlled contract status? Reynolds will have his day when he becomes a FA. Like a whole bunch of players before him that didnt agree to an extension.
TrillionaireTeamOperator
All he can do now is play his best to justify a haul for the pirates in a deadline trade.
JayRyder
Cry Cry Cry.
Dock_Elvis
While it makes possible sense for the Pirates to trade Reynolds. It also might set a bad precedent from an organizational standpoint to begun honoring any and all trade requests.
websoulsurfer
They are going to lose 90-100 games with or without him.
He WILL be traded before the 2024 season regardless of this trade demand because Nutting will not speed the $14+ million he will earn in arbitration.
Get him off your team asap.
Dock_Elvis
Sure. But, that’s the Pirates trading him because they choose to do so and not by force
King Floch
I kind of agree, you almost HAVE TO wait at least a year before trading him now to avoid creating the impression that players can just whine to management about wanting to be traded, leak it to a reporter, and then immediately get their way. It would only guarantee that it will happen again in the future.
Sucks for the Pirates because his trade value is only going to decrease as he gets closer to free agency. This whole mess just screws them over pretty badly in the end.
Dock_Elvis
KING…Trade requests happen all the time. I wouldn’t be surprised this is a leak by the Pirates themselves to drive a market leading into the Winter Meetings. If not for an immediate deal…certainly later. Media as tool
websoulsurfer
If he is not traded it will have a devastating impact on the Bucs clubhouse. With a team that is once again predicted to lose 90+ games, I am not sure that it will matter that much in terms of wins and losses. What it will do is make it harder to attract players and hang onto the ones that are there. No one wants to play in a toxic clubhouse.
Another place it will have a huge impact is in his trade value. Every year the Pirates hang on to him, the lower his value will go. He will get in excess of $14 million in arbitration for 2024.
Best thing the Pirates can do is trade him now. The package they receive in return would be huge.
johndietz
Someone tell that kid this isn’t the NBA or NFL. MLB executives don’t GAF about trade requests
SteveM7
Correction: the “rebuild” is showing zero signs of life.
jimthegoat
Can y’all just not include players with less than 6 years of club control in your Bryan Reynolds trade proposals? Reynolds himself has 3 years of club control. If they wanted players who could help them now they would just keep the one they got.
Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher
The Cardinals have the prospects, both hitting and pitching, to make the Bucs a handsome offer. However, doubt they would want to trade him within their division.
Next up would be the Padres and their I’ll-do-anything-to-make-my-team-better GM. Already dumped a lot of their prospect inventory to the Nats for Soto, but still have what it takes to get a deal done.
Gwynning's Anal Lover
Looks like the site is stuck. It says the article was updated 3 minutes ago at 2:11pm yesterday. Uh Oh.
Fire Krall
trade him to another 100 loss team!
garth16iorg
Pittsburgh is simply no longer a Major League city. The media here tear the Pirates down every day as they worship the Steelers and that hockey team. Hopefully, the Pirates will be in Charlotte by 2030 and they can turn PNC Park into a concert venue, dog park or parking lot. As for Reynolds, he’s right to want out ASAP.
tiredolddude
Utter stupidity. The media tear the Pirates down? Are you serious? You mean, it has nothing to do with a carpetbagging, greed-driven owner who conducts business in a taxpayer-built palace but feels no civic duty to provide a competitive product to the citizenry OR the many restaurants, bars and assorted businesses that set up shop around his ballpark, buying into the promise of a continuance of a proud franchise?
Your ignorance is astounding
The media has actually been too kind to Bob Nutting but the boiling point has been officially reached
I’ll wait now until someone wishes to again provide the small market theory. Or the idea that Nutting doesn’t make as money as we think—while quoting the closed books of MLB
It’s all an abject joke, and while I like Charlotte, understands it’s a growing city deserving of a franchise, I’d say be careful what you wish for
Meanwhile, such a patently distorted view of what’s going on with the Pirates alternates between hilarious and disturbing
Buccrazy
The Pirate media kisses the Pirate backside nonstop. It’s actually disgusting to watch.
Henry Silvestre
Xander + Senga + Reynolds call it a day AJP
Consolation price Turner + Senga + Reynolds
#LFGSD!
Henry Silvestre
twitter.com/HSilvestre69/status/159939284942625177…
We live
Buccrazy
He was lame duck this season anyways. They will never pay him next year. They were going to trade him by next offseason at the latest. Now they can trade him this offseason. Just think they are paying carlos santana with what he was going to make! This team is going nowhere any time soon.
Poundsy24
I encourage people to look at Verdugo’s stat lines and Reynolds’s stat lines and tell me how it’s worth it to trade 2-3 top 10 prospects on top of that. Especially considering Reynolds defensive liabilities.
tiredolddude
I watch these guys game in, game out. Reynolds is the only “star” the Pirates have. You talk of “defensive liabilities” and really, it just comes down to this: he’s ideally a corner outfielder, not a center fielder
He’d be a great pick up for any team that considers itself “in contention” and to me, at least, this request for a trade has a lot more to do with constant losing with no light at the end of the tunnel than anything else. If it’s excruciating to watch, imagine what it’s like to trot out there every time
dirty617water
Bleis and Casas for Reynolds
DocBB
to the Reds for Graham Ashcraft and Jose Barrero
Yanks4life22
It has to be so deflating for athletes to be forced into horrible organizations due to an antiquated drafting system. I would love if one day athletes could choose their destinations rather than be assigned to organizations who don’t have their best interests at heart.
The strong teams would get stronger and the weak ones like the Pirates would either be forced to compete or fold like they should if they can’t put a competitive product on the field. The practice of relegation by football teams throughout the world is such a great system and it would help the game of baseball if it were ever adopted here. It wouldn’t help the billionaires throughout the sport but it would help the game.
tiredolddude
Well, of course you would. Because any athlete would prefer to play in a major market and for a winner
The draft system in any sport is an opportunity for a bottom feeding team to improve if done right Here in Pittsburgh, it’s a going through the motions proposition from an owner who feels no obligation to field a competitive team, let alone a winner. Your idea would punish a fan base instead of the billionaire owners you write about
After all, MLB’s financial platform is such that owners are reaping great rewards even if there is no impetus to win, year in and year out. THIS is what needs to change
(And for what it’s worth, I like the Premier League’s relegation idea. For multiple reasons, it wouldn’t fly in US sports)
Mendoza Line 215
Yanks-Is this arrogant claptrap typical of Yankee fans?
bhambrave
I agree he’s pretty arrogant, not to mention wrong.
Mendoza Line 215
B-Thank you.There are plenty of classy fans for every team but the arrogant ones may not even know that they are being that way.
Yanks4life22
Sigh…..typical “stupid American” way to look at things….that is where the arrogance rests.
You do realize across Europe there are smaller markets than Pittsburgh that flourish bc clubs are forced to actually attempt to win or else they will be relegated right?
Try to educate yourself a bit and look at the world past your local gas station before you hurl insults.
tiredolddude
Having studied and been to Europe numerous times, that’s funny. You’re embarrassing yourself with such knee-jerk stereotypes. Maybe it was your belief that all of Pittsburgh still works in steel mills, live in ramshackle housing and have dental problems
Let’s say it again: your idea is utterly stupid if the MLB financial framework is still in place.
Take a hike, son. You’re peeing on your shoes here for everyone to see
tiredolddude
You know, you’re right, though
When a dinosaur like me is hurling insults on a message board, it’s time to give it up
Apologies
Mendoza Line 215
Yank-You have outed yourself!
Not only now proven to be arrogant but an elitist too!
I would just shut up if I were you because the justified insults will just keep coming your way.
Yanks4life22
Who is attacking the people of Pittsburgh here? Did I insult any of them? Don’t put words in my mouth and try to stereotype me based on things you are assuming and hoping I believe to try and make whatever argument you are making seem more concrete.
And if “my idea” (which is actually football throughout the worlds idea, not mine) is utterly stupid why is football the sport of the world while baseball continues to fall behind? Football will be the #1 sport in America with leagues like MLS growing rapidly and in a decade or two and baseball will be behind the NBA, NFL, NHL, NASCAR, NCAA etc..
And this nonsense hurts teams like the Yankees too. They just trotted out Joey Gallo and Aaron hicks knowing 1/3 of baseball is actively tanking and 1/3 isn’t attempting to compete leaving maybe 1/3 actually going into the season with the hopes of winning a championship.
But sure just keep chugging along with the status quo while billionaires and millionaires use tax payer money to further line their pockets while offering a god awful product.
Mendoza Line 215
Yank-Ah,an intelligent comment for once!
Did the Yankees have to pay Cole so much money?
How do small market teams compete when his salary is most of what an annual earnings is?
Sadly,you may be correct about baseball.Sadly,there is no guarantee that these ridiculous salaries will insure performance.Ask the Nationals about Strasburg’s contract.
Baseball has to shorten the game times and put all teams on an even playing surface so that your beloved Yankees have as much chance of dropping to the B league as the Reds and Twins and A’s and Pirates et al have.
See my post below on how I think that that can start to be done.
Mendoza Line 215
Yank-Sorry,I also wanted to comment briefly on a couple of things that you said.
Futbol is and has been the #1 sport in the world because it is cheap to play and kids can learn easily accordingly.
There is no tanking in baseball just bad teams who would have to do what the Rangers are doing just to become less bad.
Teams like the Yankees want to compete relatively evenly with a third of the league in order to maximize their chance of being the champions.
And the lowest third know that the Yankees and other large market teams can afford to poach their best players because everyone wants to play on a winner,and that they cannot afford to pay the salary of a Hicks and not feel it on the bottom line.
Saskatchewan Jaysfan
Let’s go Bluejays! Make a trade happen here! The way I see it, the Pirates, the Cardinals, the Diamondbacks, and the Marlins make the best trade partners with the Jays( they all covet one of our 3 catchers,and we need a good lefthanded hitting outfielder(CF preferably), and now with Reynolds(Pirates might have to trade him now for clubhouse reasons). Shapiro and Atkins need to strike now while Pittsburgh has this delima. Nootbar sounds okay,but Reynolds sounds way better as a trade acquisition for the Jays. I’d be down with giving up Moreno possibly more.
joblo
Pirates don’t need a catcher. They’ve got two, Henry Davis and Endy Rodriguez on the way.
bhambrave
In the next CBA they need to let teams trade draft picks. This would help small and mid-market teams trade their aging vets for high picks as well as prospects, shortening the rebuild time.
Mendoza Line 215
They could don’t he feel following things to make it much more fair playing field for all teams:
(1)within three years everyone has to spend between $100M and $200 M on salaries after the transition period-period.These amounts are cumulative over the next three year period so you could spend $80m,$80M,then$140M without paying a tax.
(2)free agency within five years,and any callup during the year except in September counts for a full year
(3)arbitration salaries are set at the average production of the last two years after the first year,and can go down instead of up-Arbitration starts on the first year
(4)Top eight markets put $25M in annually each to pay the eight small market teams
(5)worst four small market teams and next four worst middle market teams get the first draft picks-best four large market teams and four other best middle market teams get the last ones- lowest eight get a free pick between the third and fourth rounds
It is a crime that this sport has had one small market team win the World Series in the last thirty years and the large market teams have won 60% of the time.
Silas
.262? Trade me? unreal
cash3w
Random thought from a Braves fan. With the Braves FO publically stating that they could be a top-five payroll, I’m pessimistic about resigning Swanson. Especially when a few chips fall off the board, those who missed out will likely shift their focus to him, which could drive the price out of the comfort zone for the Braves. Looking at pure offense, Swanson and Reynolds look similar. To save payroll space, can they move some good SP depth, such as Elders and others, to replace Swanson’s production and roll the dice on the combo of Arcia and Grissom at SS?
Granted, we have Ozuna and Rosario. Still, if the prospect capital is good enough and we eat most of the salary, Rosario seems the easiest to move for a quick Pirate’s stopgap, given the contract value. At this point, Ozuna at DH is not optimal, but removing him from defense somewhat balances the pop he brings to the offense.
Mendoza Line 215
Cash-I think that the Pirates are looking for three blue chip near ready MLB prospects.That is a lot for a very good and controllable player who is miscast as a CF.If Rosario is included and the Pirates pay his entire salary( which I assume is for one year only) as a stopgap player then another mid level prime prospect is necessary.Two would need to be pitchers,and the others first base and outfield.
The Pirates want to keep him for another year and a half to see if they are competing for a wild card.
Keep in mind that half of these prospects won’t amount to much and one of the pitchers will have a serious arm injury.Years of control are fine but Reynolds is a known quantity and quality with years of control.
rico1957
Sadly, his request clearly shows Reynold’s is more serious about getting paid than winning. If the Pirate’s don’t pay him he hits free agency at 31. No way he gets the big contract he is looking for then and he knows it.
Sure Pirate’s offered more than he would get in arbitration plus a couple of extra years. Good payout for sure but not the money he gets in a new contract signed in an immediate trade. He would be a great piece to build on with new young talent coming up, but in reality, he is not superstar material.
This request was calculated to force the Pirate’s hand and it will work. Pirates were counting on him to provide leadership for youngsters, this will likely cause some team chemistry problems and slow some development.
Pirate fan since 1965 seeing Clemente at Candlestick with a group of Giant’s fans. Think they will trade him sooner than later, nobody wins this scenario. Reynold’s gets paid and becomes a greedy pariah, Pirates get more prospects and move forward on their way back. Fans lose a player they supported who chose to push his way out. Lots of blame to go around but Nutting is not the only greedy individual here.
Mendoza Line 215
Rico-I think that Reynolds is just tired of playing for an awful team,and seeing his best years fade away on 100 loss teams.Even his first year in 2019,the first half the Pirates were mediocre,but during the season half they were losing at a 100 loss season rate.
That would get to you after a while too.
The Pirates’ Mode of operation has always been to trade good players who would not sign contract extensions one to two years before they become free agents.We have not seen that recently because they have not had good players but I doubt that it has changed.
Any trade at this point will still have to have a really good haul for the Pirates.His request will not change anything regarding the operation of the Pirates nor should it.
rico1957
Can’t quite accept tired of losing. Team has improved despite the 100 losses. Pirates are close to being competitive despite 3 straight hundred loss years. Core of solid young players. Need a catcher to get us through mid-season and Rodriguez and Davis coming up. Couple of relievers and a journeyman starting pitcher and they could push out of cellar and upwards.
Simple truth, until playing field is leveled there are only a handful of teams capable of paying the contract Reynolds is seeking. Pirate’s cannot complete with teams that routinely exceed max payroll limits and taxes that come with it. Wanting a huge contract and playing for a winning team now, knowing his window for money is closing is just me, me, me. Wondering if we just hold on to him for one more year, if team can put some batters around him to get him back to 2021 numbers we could pull a really nice haul and move him to a team willing to acquiesce to his childish demands.
joew
I can see Bryan being tired of losing. The pirates made only real commitment to winning by extending Hayes. He wants to win sooner while he can contribute rather than tagging along as a bench role player..
If the winning is a significant reason pirates would need to make some decent signings this off season that are more than rental trades at the deadline.
Gwynning's Anal Lover
Hi. You’ve reached the end of the comments for this post. You must be super tired right now from scrolling. Rest up for more posts tomorrow.
Mendoza Line 215
Pick- I sincerely appreciate your interest in my welfare.
You may want to do the same.
joew
With the extension of Hayes, if the pirates can extend Cruz and picking up a mid/back rotation starter on a multi year deal… might make a Pittsburgh extension more appealing.
Pirates absolutely don’t have to trade him, nor should they unless the sides have a major conflict outside of the contract negotiations..
I don’t know why an extension is hard. At the end of the current deal he will be around 31. Pirates buy out the remaining arb year, tack on two more for an AAV of 60m and drop on two mutual options at a similar rate with larger performance bonuses.
If Bryan’s agent is insisting on more then he needs a new agent that is more realistic. Unless it is not about the money..
Bryan wants to win i’m sure and wants to do it sooner. If the Pirates want to keep him they need to start locking up some talent for 2023 and pushing hard for 2024.
on the flip side if the pirates are more than listening. Bryan’s value is his control. They more he has the more he’s worth. as of today the pirates are asking the moon and should.. demand an elite prospect or multiple 100’s headlining with other pieces here and there. Preferably starting pitching. Would they get that? probably not…. but I would not ask for less in return.
joew
whoops AAV of 20m..
Macbeth
Reynolds to Dodgers, Miller Vargas, Pepiot to the Pirates. It’s within 8 on BTV. Pirates could add Bednar and Dodgers add some more 15-30 organizational ranked prospects.
Who says no?
joew
Dodgers say no two of their top pitchers I wouldn’t even consider it. I’m not all up on the dodgers system but eyeballing it.
Dodgers get: Reynolds and Henry/Edny.
Pirates get: Cartaya, Miller or Pepiot, Outman, and Grove.
maybe a piece back and forth to tweak it. replace grove with a higher ranked but long term prospect?
I think that might work better? Not quite the moon for the pirates but my eyeballing it doesn’t seem unreasonable.
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Mac- No to including Bednar but your proposal seems reasonable for Reynolds.
Macbeth
I’d do Reynolds for those 3 immediately if I’m Ben Cherington. Two pitchers at or near MLB ready, and a slugging 3b/OF who is also near or at MLB level.
I’d also be just as open to extending Reynolds at whatever, but if it brought in some top end pitching I’d be very open to being much more OK with it.
If roasney and keller have sub 4 ERAs at the deadline I hold Reynolds. If they struggle I’m shipping.
joew
The trick is.. do you give up all your top pitching prospects for one player who is very good but not elite?
Higher ranked pitchers are more valuable than similar ranked position players. I don’t think the dodgers would consider it, I know I wouldn’t.
If it is offered, Ben would seriously consider it and couldn’t out right say no.
Macbeth
Brian on a team with better hitters around him would be elite. His metrics suggest that at least.
I think you have to get a deal like that for him to at all sell it to the fan base.
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Joew- Not sure that your statement that pitchers are higher ranked than all other positions is true.
With these guys going 5 or 6 innings now and throwing so hard that they blow out their arms and shoulders and only pitching every five games I would think that it undermines their value.You do see it with the HOF to be pitchers but they have been proven aces for many years.
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Mac-He would have a lot more rbis and the opposing pitchers could not pitch around him but I do not think that he would come close to being in the top three or four hitters in the League.
joew
Mendoza. Fair, but quality pitching is harder to find than quality position players simply because there are more position players.. well other than catcher that is more specialized than the rest. one of the reasons that the phrase “you can never have enough pitching” exists. Maybe that is just my opinion. But if I had an option between trading similarly ranked pitching vs position i’d lean to pitching
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Joew-Trade proposals on this site are quite often laughable but yours may very well be workable if the catchers on both teams are removed and the Pirates get the other four young players for Reynolds.
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Joew-That saying still is true.I think that the opinion is probably split 50-50.My inclinations though is that starting pitchers pitch so few innings and get hurt so often that it tamps down their importance.