New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is taking a conservative approach regarding the left field position, waiting patiently to strike if a great opportunity arises. The free agent market is incredibly thin, with Jurickson Profar likely the top available target, but the trade market offers far more promise.
The Yankees have been connected to Max Kepler of the Minnesota Twins, Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and inquiring about Austin Meadows makes sense as well. However, Reynolds trade rumors are beginning to heat up again, with the Pirates likely to move him at some point during the 2023 season, if not before.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Jason Mackey, Reynolds could be on the move soon, if not at some point during the 2023 season.
1. Reynolds will be traded … and probably before the 2023 season is finished.
2. The majority of people I’ve spoken with would be surprised if he winds up playing at all for the Pirates in 2023.
The Yankees don’t necessarily have what the Pirates are looking for:
Pittsburgh wants top pitching prospects in return for Reynolds, something the Yankees don’t necessarily have. Nonetheless, they could include some of their other top positional prospects in a prospective deal. Jasson Dominguez, Anthony Volpe, and Oswald Peraza all stand out. Cashman would like to hold onto Volpe at all costs, so Peraza or Dominguez could be available for though right price and Reynolds certainly fits the bill.
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The Bombers would be acquiring a player that hit 27 homers in 2022, recording a .262 average with a .345 OBP. He hosted a 125 wRC+ but did see an increase in whiff and chase rates. His 2021 season is what the Yankees are really chasing when he hit .302 with a .390 OBP, 24 homers, and 90 RBIs with a 141 wRC+.
There is no question that Reynolds would improve the Yankees’ World Series bid, filling the left field position with an elite offensive player and switch-hitting bat. In addition, Reynolds is only arbitration-eligible in 2024 and will become a free agent in 2026. The team would likely extend him sooner, locking down a potent outfield for years to come.
The main debate is: should Cashman be willing to sell high on Dominguez as he climbs to the farm system or make a calculated risk and hope he pans out in a few years? Obviously, trading for proven talent is always a good move, but it really depends on what Pittsburgh wants, and it will be significant.