PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – I'm good with trade talk surrounding Pirates pitchers Tyler Anderson, Trevor Cahill (not a big market) or even closer Richard Rodriguez. I can handle if the team trades Gregory Polanco (again, not big market), Kevin Newman, Colin Moran and even Adam Frazier.
Don't tell me about a trade of outfielder Bryan Reynolds, as USA Today's esteemed writer Bob Nightengale speculated. I get why he wrote it. Reynolds has value.
You can't trade Bryan Reynolds. He's untouchable.
You are looking for a sweet spot of competing maybe as early as 2023, definitely by 2024. Reynolds isn't a free agent until 2026.
The switch-hitting outfielder recently went into double-digit home runs barely two months into the season. He's proven that 2020 (.189, 6-2B, 7-HR, 19-RBI) was a one-off or fluke. He looks more like the rookie with 37 doubles and top 10 in MLB in batting average. The 26- year-old's power is growing with age.
There is precious little power in the Pirates organization. It is expensive and they either can't or won't afford to spend for the production that Reynolds gives them through free agency. My colleague and Pirates pre-and-post-game host Kraig Riley agrees.
"I'd hold on to Reynolds because I think given how good he is and his contract situation, it's realistic to believe he could be part of the next winning Pirates team," Riley said. "I never thought Reynolds would be this good defensively in center. That has been a very pleasant surprise and his bat plays so much better as a center fielder than a corner outfielder."
His defense is more of a bonus and it's been really good. It's the bat that sets him apart. It's reasonable to think he's going to be a consistent 20-plus home runs, 30-plus doubles a year player and threaten 100 RBI.
The two best power hitters currently in the organization are in AA. Oneil Cruz may convert to outfield, but wants to play shortstop. Mason Martin hit 35 home runs in 2019. He is a first baseman.
There is an admitted hitch to keeping Reynolds. He may not want to stay. I believe Frazier wants to see what it's like with another franchise, Reynolds may want to do the same. Until that point, I've seen enough. There will need to be a couple of solid, experienced players to at worst accent, but likely lead that young core.
If Reynolds isn't worth keeping, then what is the real plan here?
