MLB Insider: How the Pirates signed Bryan Reynolds to record-breaking deal

For weeks, the Pirates had been negotiating a record-breaking deal with Bryan Reynolds. Here’s how the deal ultimately got done.

Outfielder Bryan Reynolds and the Pittsburgh Pirates are in agreement on an eight-year, $106.75 million contract extension that includes a club option for 2031, according to sources familiar with the deal. It includes a six-team no-trade clause, effective immediately.

It is the richest deal in Pirates history and does not include an opt-out clause, sources say. It is the first time the team has given no-trade protection in 17 years and is the largest extension for an outfielder drafted out of college. Reynolds, who was previously slated to become a free agent in three seasons, is now tied to Pittsburgh for at least the next eight seasons.

How did this deal get done?

MLB Rumors: Insider details how Pirates got Bryan Reynolds contract done

When Reynolds requested a trade in the offseason, he felt destined to be the latest star player in their prime to be traded by the Pirates. But the organization was adamant it would not trade Reynolds and vowed to find a solution.

During spring training, the Pirates negotiated with Reynolds and made significant progress on a deal. By Opening Day, they had agreed to an eight-year, $106.75 million contract — but could not agree on numerous key issues, including an opt-out clause, and prevented a deal from ultimately being completed.

Despite reports that suggested Opening Day was a deadline for a deal to be completed, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington and Reynolds’ camp stayed in contact. The two sides were at an impasse, however, as Reynolds felt he had come down from his initial asking price and wanted a no-trade or opt-out clause in return while the Pirates were adamant about not including either.

The two sides had made progress in recent days, with sources telling FanSided that the two sides made significant progress late Saturday night, with renewed optimism that a deal would soon get completed.

With a deal now done, Reynolds, Ke’Bryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz are the face of the Pirates’ new era. Their 16-7 start has provided a glimpse of what the team will be the new norm in Pittsburgh – and with a promising group of prospects looming in the minors, they now appear to be a real threat going forward in the National League.