MLB Insider: The latest on the Pirates’ extension talks with Bryan Reynolds

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bryan Reynolds are close to a long-term extension, but one key point is holding up a deal. Which side will budge?

Star outfielder Bryan Reynolds and the Pittsburgh Pirates were in serious talks on a long-term contract extension, but negotiations have stalled with the Pirates being unwilling to include an opt-out clause, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.

The terms of the deal were believed to be in the eight-year, $106 million range, sources said, with the deal beginning in 2023. It would be the richest deal in Pirates history, surpassing the eight-year, $70 million extension signed by Ke’Bryan Hayes last year, and lock in another franchise cornerstone long-term.

Reynolds’ desire for an opt-out, and the Pirates’ unwillingness to include it, has brought the negotiations to a standstill.

MLB Insider: Pirates and Bryan Reynolds are at an impasse on extension

There were reports that suggested that first pitch on Opening Day was a soft deadline, but all indications are that the Pirates and Reynolds’ camp remain open to talking with a deal seemingly being within grasp.

But what side will move off their stance? Reynolds has moved a lot in negotiations to agree to terms — he was willing to backload the contract to give the team more financial flexibility over the next few seasons — and in return wanted the ability to opt-out of the contract. The Pirates, meanwhile, have been opposed to including such clauses in contracts in the past and have taken the same stance in Reynolds negotiations.

The Pirates have remained hopeful all spring of signing Reynolds long-term, even after the star outfielder demanded a trade in the early days of the offseason. The two sides are at the finish line on an extension now — and considering how much Reynolds has moved in negotiations, a deal getting done would seemingly depend on the Pirates including an opt-out in the contract.