Outfielder Bryan Reynolds, who spent last season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, made it clear Wednesday that he would prefer to be traded since he hasn’t landed a long-term contract.
In his first public comments on his trade request, the All-Star outfielder said there has been a «difference of opinion» regarding his value as a player.
Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates at bat during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 17, 2022, in the New York City borough of Queens. (Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
Reynolds expressed his appreciation for the Pirates organization and the fans. While he didn’t completely close the door on signing a new contract with Pittsburgh, he noted that the two sides have been far apart in previous negotiations.
JACOB DEGROM ALREADY DEALT WITH INJURIES IN RANGERS SPRING TRAINING
«I think I’ve been pretty open in recent years that my No. 1 would be signing an extension in Pittsburgh, but I want it to be a fair deal for both parties, not one side or the other. He’s not a crazy player. [deal]it’s not a crazy team deal,» he said, via MLB.com. «That’s always been my number one.»
Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates before the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 17, 2022, in the New York City borough of Queens. (Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
The Pirates have some leverage as Reynolds remains under team control for the next three seasons. The 28-year-old signed a two-year, $13.5 million deal last spring.
Despite the deal that bought Reynolds’ first two years of arbitration, he did not seem happy with the way the talks panned out.
«I think we have a right to have those emotions as well, and that’s what we did. But obviously we can’t force them to do anything,» Reynolds said.
LAST YEAR’S YANKEES’ BIG TRADE DEADLINE ACQUISITION COULD MISS SEASON AFTER SHOULDER SURGERY
Reynolds vowed to be ready for the next season.
«Like I said, I’m here,» Reynolds said. «I’m always going to be where my feet are. I’m here right now, so I’m locked in for 100% Pirates and whatever it takes. I’m here now to do my job and start making a good season.»
Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates slides against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 28, 2022 in Philadelphia. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Manager Derek Shelton reiterated his belief that Reynolds would not be a distraction to the team.
«There is a business side to this game,» Shelton said. «You have to understand that. Our expectation, my expectation and everything that I think Bryan has told me personally and publicly, is that he’s going to be the same guy and mind his own business. That’s what we expect. I don’t think he’s going to to be something different.»
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Pirates reportedly purchased Reynolds after he made the trade request, but he was not traded. The Pirates drafted Reynolds from Vanderbilt in 2016, and he made his major league debut in 2019.