Pittsburgh Pirates star outfielder Bryan Reynolds has attracted trade interest for the last two years. Could this finally be the time the Bucs deal him?
While the Pirates have listened to offers each time, they have never been serious about moving him. They have, and continue, to view Reynolds as a foundational piece.
But on Saturday morning, Reynolds informed the Pirates that he wants to be traded, according to sources familiar with the situation. Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was the first to report.
“While it is disappointing, this will have zero impact on our decision-making this offseason or in the future,” the Pirates said in a statement. “Our goal is to improve the Pirates for 2023 and beyond. With three years 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.”
Rival teams have still checked in on Reynolds, however. But the asking price remains high — “a kings ransom,” one rival executive said — and that further complicates a potential trade. But who could make sense as trade partners? Here are four teams.
Which teams make sense for a Bryan Reynolds trade?
San Diego Padres
For years, I have heard that the Padres love Bryan Reynolds. They have checked in on Reynolds in the past and they are expected to once again — if they haven’t already. But after acquiring Juan Soto and Josh Hader before last season’s trade deadline, rival executives are skeptical that the Padres have a deep enough farm system to acquire Reynolds.
Sure, they have Jackson Merrill, who scouts have raved about following a strong showing at the Arizona Fall League. But a potential Reynolds deal could cost a team as much as three top prospects and more.
New York Yankees
The Yankees make a ton of sense for Reynolds and much like the Padres, have shown previous interest in the star outfielder. But they have the prospects — most notably Anthony Volpe and Jason Dominguez — to get a deal done. They have shown no willingness to move either in the past and if that remains the case, it’s difficult to imagine Reynolds going to the Bronx.
Miami Marlins
Craig Mish of SportsGrid reported that the Marlins “have been and will be very interested” in acquiring Reynolds. They have sought an elite center fielder in recent years, and have explored outside options such as Byron Buxton and Cedric Mullins the last couple of offseasons. They are in desperate need of offense and acquiring Reynolds, one of the top young players in baseball, would solve their center field problem in a big way.
San Francisco Giants
Years ago, the Giants traded Reynolds to the Pirates in exchange for outfielder Andrew McCutchen. While McCutchen was a valuable player, the Giants would surely like to have that one back. Now’s their chance.
Reynolds would improve the Giants defensively, which is among their top priorities, and add a big boost to their lineup as he’s slashed .281/.361/.481 with 74 home runs since 2019. If they are unable to sign Aaron Judge, Reynolds should become one of their top priorities. Especially since they have the financial resources to give Reynolds the long-term contract he seeks.