PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Now entering his seventh season with the Pirates, two-time All-Star Bryan Reynolds does believe this is their time to make something happen. That he's excited about the season.
The 29-year-old believes there has always been an urgency to win, but he does feel it's the best opportunity since he's been here. As much as anything else it's figuring out how to win the tight games. They need to have the mentality to grind through when you are not at your best or not feeling 100% to find a way to win.
He would also like to see the Pirates go with more of a steady lineup. It's not just who is going to be hitting first, second, third and fourth, rather putting the same guys out there day after day. Reynolds believes it's important for these guys to get to play together often. To get to know themselves inside and out and be allowed to battle through challenging situations. That being said, those spots can't be given, but earned. It's up to the players to separate themselves, but once they are, he would like that player to get some run.
Reynolds is coming off another productive season, when you look at the numbers throughout the last four years.
· 2021 159 games, 169 hits, 35 doubles, 24 home runs, 90 RBI, .302/.390/.912
· 2022 145 games, 142 hits, 19 doubles, 27 home runs, 62 RBI, .262/.345/.807
· 2023 145 games, 151 hits, 31 doubles, 24 home runs, 84 RBI, .263/.330/.790
· 2024 156 games, 171 hits, 29 doubles, 24 home runs, 88 RBI, .275/.344/.791
"I think it's a huge thing, not necessarily the numbers, specifically, but, like I said, being in there every day, showing up to the park knowing that I'm going to be in there and preparing that way," Reynolds said. "I think that's what leads to consistency in the numbers and consistency all around."
While playing catch during offseason work at Vanderbilt University using a first baseman's glove, he expects to play the outfield this year. He also expects he'll probably attempt to be more vocal in the clubhouse this year.
"I'm not going to change who I am and get in the middle of the clubhouse and scream and holler and do all that," Reynolds said. "But, I think I got better at it last year too, just keep building that and saying things when they need to get said, little things here and there."
He's also going to continue to do what he prefers and lead by example. Reynolds has been a playoff-ready player for six years, who else is going to take that step?
