The MLB offseason was interrupted for 99 days by the MLB owner’s lockout. The result is an abbreviated period of one week to assemble teams for the 2022 season and get ready for Spring Training games.
The Pittsburgh Pirates aren’t expected to contend in 2022, but they could still have some moves in line over the next week. Not all of those moves could be for the 2022 season.
The biggest consistent rumor we’ve heard this offseason has been trade interest in Bryan Reynolds. We’ve heard that Reynolds turned down an extension from the Pirates, he hasn’t talked to them about an extension since the offseason started, and several teams have been interested in him, including the Marlins and Mariners.
I’m not sure what it would signal if the Pirates dealt their best player. The Pirates have Reynolds under control through 2025, and we can expect them to deal him before that team control ends. The 2022 season won’t be a contender, which means saving Reynolds would lead to him being around 1-2 years with a contending Pirates team. Of course, they could still pursue an extension to build on that number.
The Pirates have a few waves of prospects arriving, with the first group likely to arrive full-time in 2022, led by Oneil Cruz and Roansy Contreras. They will be followed in succeeding years by the likes of Quinn Priester, Henry Davis, and Nick Gonzales.
Things are trending up for the Pirates, but a trade of Reynolds would represent a brief shift backwards. That would likely come with more help to a future contender in a big way, as I don’t think the Pirates would move an MVP candidate who is cost-controlled for the next four seasons without getting a top prospect package in return. I’m talking one that is bigger than any Ben Cherington Pirates trade we’ve seen so far.
Beyond the Reynolds speculation, there might be some short-term additions. The Pirates already added stopgaps at catcher, first base, and the rotation.
Roberto Perez was brought in behind the plate to replace Jacob Stallings after the Pirates dealt their starting catcher to the Marlins. Yoshi Tsutsugo was re-signed to a one-year deal to play first base, and the Pirates could use him as the DH as well if they get another first base option. Jose Quintana was added to give the rotation a veteran starter.
The rotation has a lot of internal options to sort through. The lineup could use some outfield help, but there are several prospects in the upper levels, with one likely to eventually fill those spots. The Pirates brought back Ben Gamel for the outfield, which I think was a good move. They also have Anthony Alford, who should get a chance to show if there was lasting change represented by his surge that saw him post an .843 OPS in 102 plate appearances over the final month and a half of the 2021 MLB season.
The biggest area to target might be the relief pitcher market. The Pirates have some strong relievers, but lack a shut-down option, outside of second-year player David Bednar, who shouldn’t be their only top option. They also have several starting candidates in the upper levels, and not all of those guys will make the majors as a starter. I’d imagine this is a Spring Training decision, but starting to move some of those guys to the bullpen in 2022 would be good for the long-term.
What do you expect from the next week as the Pirates and the rest of MLB wrap up the 2021-22 offseason? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Pirates Prospects Spotlight
Daily Links
**John Dreker: Pirates Announce Updated Spring Training Schedule
**John Dreker: Pirates Announce Non-Roster Invites to Spring Training
**Tim Williams: Lonnie White Jr. Shows the Upside That Made Him a Key Part of the Pirates 2021 Draft Class
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