Pirates, Bryan Reynolds Still Negotiating Contract Extension?

The Pittsburgh Pirates and star outfielder Bryan Reynolds were in agreement on the framework of a contract extension worth more than $100 million, but a potential opt-out is a sticking point, per reports from Rob Biertempfel of the Athletic.

After an offseason of trade speculation, the Pittsburgh Pirates and star outfielder Bryan Reynolds reportedly agreed to the framework of a contract extension this spring, but the deal is not done because of the issue of an opt-out clause.

Pirates and star CF Bryan Reynolds were in agreement on the financial terms of a deal for a bit over $100M but the issue remains an opt-out. Sides have not closed the door but this a sticking point. @RobBiertempfel on it.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 31, 2023

Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports that the two sides were in agreement on an extension worth $106 million, with Reynolds agreeing to back-load the contract.

The reporting also says that in exchange for making monetary concessions, Reynolds wants an opt-out in the deal, which the Pirates are opposed to doing. The two sides are still talking and remain willing to negotiate.

Back in December, it was made public that Reynolds had requested a trade from the organization after initial contract talks stalled. The team originally wanted to give him a six-year, $80 million extension, but he wanted eight years for $134 million.

He was linked all offseason in trade rumors to teams in need of offensive and outfield help, like the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers, but remained in Pittsburgh.

Reynolds is still playing under the terms of his rookie contract and is under team control through 2025.

One of the best young players in the National League, the 28-year-old Reynolds is a lifetime .281 hitter with a .361 on-base percentage. He hit 27 home runs a season ago and is one the cornerstones of a hopeful Pirates turnaround along with Ke'Bryan Hayes.

The Pirates finished 62-100 a season ago and were tied for last place in the NL Central.

They beat the Reds on Opening Day by a score of 5-4. Reynolds went 1-4 in the victory. The Pirates home opener is Friday, April 7th. I'm sure the Pirates would like to have a deal agreed upon by then.