MLB Rumors: 1 player each NL Central team should trade at the deadline

MLB Rumors: Pittsburgh Pirates should trade Bryan Reynolds

It’s probably not going to happen, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t. The Pirates have been wronging Bryan Reynolds throughout this whole extension process, and they should just do the right thing and get a massive haul back for him.

The team is 8-5, but without O’Neil Cruz will most definitely be closer to the bottom than the top in the NL Central. Selling makes the most sense.

Reynolds requested a trade this offseason after the Pirates insulted him with a six-year deal worth $80 million. The star outfielder then went down from his demands to reach a figure the Pirates were comfortable with, but asked for an opt-out in the deal. The Pirates STILL won’t give in, and have yet to agree to a deal with Reynolds. Enough is enough.

Trading your star player isn’t ideal, but it also wouldn’t be the end of the world. Reynolds, a player under team control through the 2026 season, would fetch a ton in a deal for the Pirates. They can get players who fit more under their timeline and expedite what’s been a very long rebuild in Pittsburgh.

Reynolds is 28 and by the time the Pirates are actual contenders, will be towards the end of his prime. The Pirates won’t get the return Washington received for Juan Soto, but they will get a crazy haul since the team that’d get him would have him for multiple years in arbitration with a shot at a very reasonable extension.

The Pirates don’t appear to be serious about keeping Reynolds around by not offering him the eight-year $106 million deal with an opt-out that he’s asking for. If they don’t intend on extending him, trading him is the best course of action.