Everyone expected fireworks as soon as free agency opened, but perhaps there wasn’t as much tampering during the lockout as we all suspected. Still, sooner or later, the market is going to explode, and I think it will only take one signing to get things rolling.
The Braves have their top priorities. First base is the obvious one, but they also need to address their outfield. There’s no way they can go into the season expecting Cristian Pache to contribute. They will add at least one outfielder before the start of the season, and there are plenty available on the free-agent market. However, there are also some possibilities via trade — namely, Bryan Reynolds, who the Braves were linked to at the trade deadline last year.
Here’s what MLB reporter Craig Mish had to say about the Reynolds situation leading up to the season.
Pirates Outfielder Bryan Reynolds turned down two long term deals with the club prior to 2021 per source. Reynolds finished 11th in NL MVP voting and 16th in fWAR (5.5) in 2021.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) March 11, 2022
The Marlins and Pirates have already made one trade this Winter, and have engaged on Reynolds previous as I’ve reported. Reynolds remains under team control in Pittsburgh through 2025. As expected their ask is very high.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) March 11, 2022
With the Pirates in full rebuild mode, and Reynolds unwilling to sign an extension, it seems like a matter of time before he is dealt. However, because he comes with four years of team control, the Pirates can wait things out until they get the deal they desire.
I imagine it will be difficult to pry Reynolds away from Pittsburgh, but it won’t be impossible, and the Braves should have interest. They have an opening in centerfield. Adding Reynolds would give them arguably the best young outfield in baseball for many years to come. We’ve yet to see Alex Anthopoulos make a blockbuster trade since taking over as GM of the Braves, but if he is to strike a deal, I imagine it will be for a player with several years of team control like Reynolds.
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