As the off-season painfully drags on, the New York Yankees find themselves in a conservative state. General manager Brian Cashman doesn’t seem to be making any big moves leading up to spring training, but that hasn’t stopped the rumors from flowing regarding Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds.
Several weeks ago, the 27-year-old requested a trade from Pittsburgh, opening up the floodgates for speculation. The problem is the Pirates want top pitching prospects in return for Reynolds, something the Bombers don’t necessarily have after moving two of their top guns at the deadline this past summer.
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However, they do have a myriad of other positional players who could be out for grabs. Getting a proven commodity in Reynolds would boost the Yankees’ World Series aspirations in 2023, but the Pirates want an exceptional haul, which is not something that Cashman’s willing to provide at this point.
Nonetheless, if Pittsburgh reduces their asking price, the Yanks might have to fend off one other competitor for Reynold’s services, the Texas Rangers.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi stated that the Rangers are in play to acquire Reynolds, but the Yankees shouldn’t be ruled out.
“I am told the Rangers are among the most serious suitors for Reynolds right now. We certainly cannot count out the Yankees, but the difference between the Yankees and Rangers is the Rangers have three pitching prospects among MLB Pipeline’s Top 100, and that is what the Pirates would want in that potential deal.”
There’s no question Bryan Reynolds would bring elite offense to the Yankees:
In 2022, Reynolds hit .262 with a .345 OBP, 27 homers, and 62 RBIs with a 125 wRC+. He’s a phenomenal offensive weapon, which is something the Yankees desperately needed during the playoffs this past season as they were demoralized by the Houston Astros.
There are legitimate competitors for Reynolds on the market, as the Los Angeles Dodgers have also been intrigued by the services at the right price. It doesn’t seem like any teams are making big moves leading up to spring training, using the next month or so to get some much-needed rest time. Nonetheless, if the Yankees do decide to take a leap of faith, they will have to give up either Oswald Peraza or Jasson Dominguez, plus more prospects in exchange for Reynolds.
The question is: is Cashman willing to mortgage his future at multiple positions? If he were to make a deal, his job might be on the line if it doesn’t pan out, especially given the magnitude.