Dodgers Rumors: MLB Insider Still Believes All-Star Outfielder Will be Traded This Season

He could be a target for the Dodgers.

The Pirates are continuing to negotiate a contract extension with All-Star outfielder Bryan Reynolds. The two sides seem to be on the same page in terms of value, but they aren't able to agree on a potential opt-out. Because of that, Jim Bowden of The Athletic thinks the Pirates could still trade the All-Star outfielder — and he has the Dodgers among the teams who could show interest.

"There is still time to negotiate the opt-out issue," Bowden wrote. "There are several ways to get to the finish line. However, if two sides get close to the trade deadline and there’s still no deal, I could see the Pirates moving Reynolds. The Yankees, Braves, Dodgers, Giants and Rangers could all be in the mix for him."

Reynolds would be the hottest trade chip at the deadline, especially with the way he's started the 2023 season. Through 17 games, Reynolds is slashing .324/.329/.603 with five home runs and a National League-leading 17 RBIs. The switch-hitting outfielder has played all three spots in his career, and could slide in perfectly as the Dodgers left fielder. He also has three stolen bases this year.

On the flip side, though, Reynolds would cost a fortune, and that may not be something the Dodgers want to do, especially considering the outfield isn't exactly their area of concern.

Mookie Betts has right field pretty locked down, while James Outman is making a case to be the everyday center fielder. Then, between David Peralta, Trayce Thompson, Chris Taylor and Jason Heyward, there's only one more outfield spot.

Trading for Reynolds would put Peralta, Thompson and Heyward without consistent playing time, and that doesn't seem like something the Dodgers would want to do.

It seems much more likely the Dodgers trade for an infielder or pitcher this trade deadline, if they make any move at all.

But Reynolds in that outfield for the next eight years would definitely be a fun proposition.