In addition to sporting the best record in the National League, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ hot start to the 2023 season has yielded yet another piece of good news for baseball fans in the Steel City: a record contract extension for All-Star outfielder Bryan Reynolds.
Multiple media outlets are reporting Reynolds and the Pirates have agreed to an eight-year, $106.75 million deal, the largest in franchise history.
The pact includes a limited no-trade clause, but no opt outs and a club option in 2031, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Reynolds and the Pirates had been discussing a potential extension this offseason, but talks had seemingly bogged down with the two sides roughly $50 million apart – leading to Reynolds requesting a trade in December.
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However, Pirates owner Bob Nutting made a point to meet with Reynolds personally in spring training to clear the air.
The result – along with the team’s surprisingly strong 16-7 start – created a perfect storm for Reynolds, 28, to remain in Pittsburgh, where he’s spent his entire five-year major league career.
An All-Star in 2021, Reynolds hit a career-high 27 home runs last year, and is off to a solid start this season. He’s currently hitting .294 with five homers, 18 RBI and 13 runs scored in 22 games.
