Pirates OF Bryan Reynolds Requests Trade, Yankees Interested

OF Bryan Reynolds has requested a trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The demand has surfaced as contract extensions between Reynolds and the Pirates have met an “impasse” per Jon Heyman. Reynolds is under contact with the club for another year thanks to a previously signed extension for two-years, $13 million. Pittsburgh will control his rights for an additional two seasons from arbitration until he becomes a free agent in 2025.

“While it is disappointing, this will have zero impact on our decision-making this off-season or in the future,” said Pittsburgh in a released statement following the request. “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.”

Bryan Reynolds has been one of the best players on a lowly Pirates team for the past couple of years. Over the past two seasons Pittsburgh has won less than 70 games in each and finished near the bottom of the NL Central. During that span, Reynolds has been named an All-Star and has slashed .283/.368/.492 with 51 home runs and 152 RBIs.

The Pirates have no interest in trading Reynolds but that hasn’t stopped teams from monitoring the situation. The New York Yankees have expressed interest in the 27-year-old according to Jason Mackey. The Yanks need outfield depth, especially with the possibility of Aaron Judge and Andrew Benintendi both leaving in free agency. Aaron Hicks is still under contract with New York until 2026, but injuries and a decline in play have likely numbered his days in pinstripes. Giancarlo Stanton could play in right field, but management would prefer him in the DH slot most days. Reynolds could provide the Yankees with what they’re looking for in an outfielder, with or without Judge.