The Pittsburgh Pirates and outfielder Bryan Reynolds have been talking contract extensions recently, and they seem to be more serious now. It was mentioned yesterday that they had a deadline of first pitch of yesterday’s opener to get the deal done. However, that appears to be extended as the team and Reynolds appear to be in line on the money aspect, but not some contract details.
The sticking point with the Bryan Reynolds' contract is indeed an opt out, per source.
They seem to be set at eight years and in the $106 million range, but Reynolds' desire for an opt out to be in the contract has held up the completion of a deal.
First: @RobBiertempfel
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) March 31, 2023
Jason Mackey confirms an earlier report by Rob Beirtempfel, while adding more details. According to Mackey, they seem to be set on an eight-year deal in the $106M range, which would include three arbitration years and five years of free agency. It’s said that the hold up now appears to be Reynolds wanting an opt out in the contract.
Reynolds is currently getting paid $6.75M for 2023. The Pirates still have him under contract control for the 2024-25 seasons if they can’t overcome this obstacle in the salary talks.
We will keep things updated if any other news pops up on this off-day for the Pirates.
UPDATE: Multiple sources are saying the opt out Reynolds wants is after four years. Pirates have him for three years anyway, so that wouldn’t be much of an extension if he took the opt out. I can see why that would be a hold up for the Pirates.
