Bryan Reynolds got the biggest contract in Pirates history: eight years, $106.75 million. It was signed two years ago.
Reynolds makes a lot. But only by Pirates standards. Not by MLB guidelines.
Right now, he’s looking like a bargain.
The switch-hitting outfielder wrapped up a 25-game hitting streak with an oh-fer last Sunday. But since, he’s 7 for 18 with three home runs, four runs scored and eight RBIs. He had two home runs, including a grand slam, in Friday’s seven-homer extravaganza by the Pirates. Even Chris Farley went deep twice.
Reynolds was kind of meh till June started, then something clicked.
Now he ranks first on the Pirates in OPS (.831), batting average (.280), home runs (16) and RBIs (54). He’s second in runs with 39. Reynolds might outperform his contract this season.
Reynolds is getting paid $10.25 million this year. That salary ranks 153rd in MLB. Reynolds makes less than quite a few guys you couldn’t pick out of a lineup.
That’s not to say Reynolds is underpaid.
Reynolds took the security of a very good offer by the Pirates over betting on himself in free agency, which he would have reached after the 2025 season. He has no complaints.
He likely won’t finish his career in Pittsburgh.
Reynolds will get $14.25 million in 2026, $15.25 million each year from ’27-30. Owner Bob Nutting won’t want to pay that. Reynolds has just a limited no-trade clause: He can veto being swapped to six teams. He will be dealt away at some point.
That’s how things work with the Pirates.
The Pirates called up phenom pitcher Paul Skenes from Triple-A.
Reynolds went on a 25-game hit steak, the longest in MLB this season.
But, with all that going on, the Pirates have only done marginally better: 25-23 since Skenes’ debut, 17-22 before. They’re treading sewage. Adding needed bats seems unlikely.
By the time Reynolds leaves, he’ll be glad to go. Skenes will be, too.
Meantime, enjoy Reynolds’ current form. He got started. He might not stop.