The Pittsburgh Pirates reportedly lowballed outfielder Bryan Reynolds on a contract extension offer and refused to budge after receiving a counteroffer.
MLB spring training games have begun this past week, with teams preparing for the 2023 season. This offseason, there were names that were on the move, whether that was signing with a new team in free agency, or getting traded. One player that requested a trade off their team that still remains is Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds. The reasoning behind the request is due to failed contract extension negotiations, but the Pirates were steadfast in refusing to trade him elsewhere. That, and they had a high asking price.
There are now some new details regarding the contract extension offer.
According to The Athletic’s Rob Biertempfel (subscription required), the Pirates offered Reynolds a six-year, $80 million contract extension this past November. Reynolds sent a counteroffer of $134 million over eight-years, which the Pirates declined and refused to move away from their initial offer. That is when Reynolds requested a trade.
Bryan Reynolds trade request reportedly due to lowball offer from Pirates
On Saturday, Reynolds told news reporters that he has not received a new offer from the Pirates and is unsure if one will be made. He did say in the past that he was open to signing an extension with Pittsburgh.
Reynolds is under contract for the 2023 season, where he earns a base salary of $6.75 million. After that, he officially becomes an unrestricted free agent and will be able to sign with whichever team he so chooses. Considering this, one has to wonder if the Pirates will consider dealing Reynolds away at the trade deadline, so they can get something in return before he walks into free agency.
Last season, Reynolds recorded a .262 batting average, a .345 on-base percentage, .461 slugging percentage, 27 home runs, 62 RBI, 74 runs scored, and 142 hits.
Pirates fans will certainly be waiting for any further updates on contract talks between the team and Reynolds. As of right now, there have been no discussions since the talks that led to Reynolds’ trade request.