PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pirates signed a couple of key players during the opening week of the season. Ke'Bryan Hayes, 25, inked for eight seasons and $70 million while All-Star Bryan Reynolds got a two-year deal for avoid two years of arbitration for $13.5 million.
Are there plans to sign Reynolds for longer term?
"Bryan is someone we respect so much as a player, he happens to be a real good player," said Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington on 93.7 The Fan and the Pirates Radio Network. "He wants to be a Pirate. We are so thankful he is a Pirate. We want nothing more than to build a team with him on it. That is our aim."
The salary for the next two seasons makes Reynolds the 44th highest paid outfielder. That number would need to change given the season Reynolds had in 2021 (.302-avg, .390-OBP, .912-OPS, 35-doubles, 8-triples, 24-home runs, 90-RBI).
Cherington said due to the lockout pushing timing back there is the possibility to have contract talks during the season. The Pirates have no hard-fast rules like with the Steelers where they won't talk contract during the season. He calls it a 'very personal process' and the best they can do is to keep conversations going.
Win-win Hayes
As important as it was for the Pirates to get a team-friendly, long-term deal with Ke'Bryan Hayes. Cherington said it was equally important to make a deal where Hayes felt like he won as well. The Bucs GM said trust led them as much as anything to lock up Hayes first.
"I remember listening to mentors of mine asking what you are looking for as a player?" Cherington recalled. "The simple answer I've heard others use before is we are looking for players we can trust. You think about really good teams in October they are full of really good players that can be trusted. Trusted on the field to execute during the game. Trusted off the field to make good choices. Ke'Bryan has earned that trust."
Newman ready
Shortstop Kevin Newman had missed the last couple of games with a mild groin injury. Cherington said Newman had good work on the field and in the training room on Sunday and is expected to be ready to return Monday as the road trip starts in Milwaukee. The 28-year-old is tied for the team lead in doubles (3) and RBI (5).
