In one of the few events that could potentially overshadow Opening Day in the minor leagues, more contract talk came out when it comes to the ongoing negotiations between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bryan Reynolds.
The two sides seem as close as they ever can or will be, but at the same time it’s the last hurdle that may keep this deal from getting done altogether.
Per source, the opt out delaying a potential Bryan Reynolds deal would've come after the fourth year.
Contract discussed: eight years, $106.75 million starting in '23.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) March 31, 2023
It seems the years and dollar amount have been settled on, but Reynold’s side wants to be able to opt out of the contract, reportedly after four years. The Pirates obviously don’t want that, and that’s where the standstill is coming from.
What it comes down to, is if the Reynolds camp stands firm on the opt out, there is a could chance this doesn’t get done. If there is some sort of compromise, the framework is already there, it just needs that final push.
The Pirates certainly open themselves for criticism for a lot of the way they do things. If this doesn’t get worked out, it will be another case of them not signing one of their top players, but this time around was different.
They took this one all the way to the finish line. Ultimately, they can decide to go ahead and go forward with it, and allow Reynolds to opt out after four years. That would buy an extra year of control, which would be potentially during a window of competitiveness by the team.
Either way, it seems like there’s been progress.
Quick Start, Fizzle Late In Indianapolis
Friday night was Opening Day in the minor leagues, with the Indianapolis Indians getting things kicked off. It really couldn’t have started better, as they put up five runs in the bottom of the first inning, fueled by a two-run home run by Endy Rodriguez.
The excitement would end after that, as they would go on to lose by the score 8-6 after Omaha scored seven runs over the last three innings.
— Luis Ortiz got the Opening Day start, and while he got some whiffs with the slider, he was mostly inconsistent with his control — only lasting 3.2 innings and walking three. He did mix in 11 changeups, almost 20% of his total pitches, which is a big step in the right direction for him.
— Speaking of control issues, Colin Selby really struggled to find the zone. Of the nine fastballs he threw on the night, the only two that weren’t balls were the ones that were put into play. Not the best start, but also why they play over 100 games in a regular season.
— With three batted ball events of over 100 mph, Nick Gonzales finished with an average EV of 98.12 on the night, picking up two hits total. He also whiffed at the only two breaking pitches he swung at.
Pirates Prospects Daily
By John Dreker
The Pirates play at 4:10 PM today. The lineup will be added to the bottom of the article once it becomes available.
Prospect Watch: Endy Rodriguez Homers, As Indianapolis Drops Their Season Opener The first of 150 or so Prospect Watch articles this year
**The Latest on the Bryan Reynolds Extension Negotiations
**Minor Moves: Robert Stephenson Starts Rehab; Jared Triolo to Injured List The Pirates made plenty of minor league moves yesterday
**Indianapolis Indians 2023 Opening Day Roster Indianapolis started their season yesterday by announcing their roster.
**Pirates Prospects Daily: Previewing This Week’s Minor League Games
**Travis Swaggerty Embraces Daily Playing Time in Indianapolis Ryan Palencer caught up with Travis Swaggerty
**Pirates DVR: Austin Hedges Defense, Oneil Cruz Home Run, Michael Kennedy Pitching
Song of the Day
Today’s Lineup
Game 2 in Cincinnati.
Reds lineup
Dolo Day ╳ #KidsOpeningDay
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— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) April 1, 2023
