One of the most sought-after players at this year's MLB trade deadline is expected to be Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star outfielder Bryan Reynolds. Reynolds has been the subject of trade rumors dating back to last year's deadline, so seeing him pop up in trade scenarios isn't surprising.
After a poor start to the season, Reynolds' market is ballooning, as Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that five teams are showing interest in the Pirates outfielder: The New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins and Seattle Mariners.
Certainly, an interesting list. But which of those teams would represent the best fit for Reynolds? Could it be the Yankees, who own the league's best record and have been tied to the Pirates All-Star since last year? What about the Mariners, a sneaky team just on the outside of a wild card spot who could swoop in and nab Reynolds?
Both are good destinations for the All-Star outfielder. That said, here are the three best destinations for Bryan Reynolds at the 2022 MLB trade deadline.
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3 Best Destinations For Bryan Reynolds At MLB Trade Deadline
3. Philadelphia Phillies
It's clear that the Philadelphia Phillies are in the market for outfield help. With 2021 National League MVP Bryce Harper injured, MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported that the Phillies are interested in Kansas City Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi.
Benintendi would be a nice acquisition. However, he's naturally more of a corner outfielder- and the Phillies are theoretically set there, with Nick Castellanos manning one corner and Kyle Schwarber the other. Presumably, Harper would also play the outfield when he returns, health willing.
In that case, why not go after Bryan Reynolds? He plays center field, is a plus with the bat and isn't a free agent until 2026. As solid a defender as he is, the Phillies can't keep starting Odubel Herrera, who owns the second-lowest OPS of his career.
Reynolds would help hold down the fort until Harper returns, then help form one of the best outfields in the MLB when he returns. The Phillies don't have a ton of prospects to throw at the Pirates. However, Reynolds could be worth a large MLB trade deadline haul.
2. San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres have been coveting Bryan Reynolds since the offseason. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that the Padres had even engaged the Pirates in trade talks for their star outfielder before the season.
Well, the MLB trade rumors are swirling once again, as the club has been, unsurprisingly, linked to Reynolds. Currently, 48-36, the Padres need to keep pace with the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.
Upgrading their outfield would be a great way to do it. It currently consists of Jurickson Profar, who has posted a career-high 116 OPS+. Trent Grisham occupies center and is an excellent defender, though he has been a zero with the bat.
Then there's the oft-injured Wil Myers. Star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. has reportedly been taking fly balls in the outfield- and San Diego likes Ha-Seong Kim's defense at short.
But do they really want to put their $340 million man in the outfield after he's just returning from a wrist fracture? It's not the smartest idea. Why not go out and seal the deal on Reynolds, who has experience playing both corner outfield spots.
With a career .847 OPS, the Pirates four-year veteran would also provide a much-needed jolt of offense in the San Diego outfield. San Diego would be an excellent destination for Bryan Reynolds.
1. New York Yankees
Ahhh, yes. The Yankees. Not particularly surprising, is it? New York showed interest last year- and they're certainly keeping an eye on Reynolds once again. They have good reason to.
If not for MVP candidate Aaron Judge and fellow bash brother Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees would have one of the worst outfields in baseball.
Aaron Hicks, .689 OPS and Joey Gallo, .621, have been black holes at the bottom of the New York lineup. They're both adept with the glove, which is likely the only thing keeping them from warming the bench in the Bronx right now.
There's also the matter of center field. Judge has played a career-high 361 innings there, which is probably more than the Yankees would like. The towering slugger was even pulled from the lineup Thursday against the Boston Red Sox due to “lower body soreness.”
New York does not want to mess around with Judge's health. Enter Reynolds. He could play all three outfield spots in a pinch. The Pirates star is also a capable offensive player, having posted a 124 OPS+ in 2022. His switch-hitting would add even more balance to the Yankees lineup.
This one just makes too much sense. Don't be surprised if Yankees general manager Brian Cashman pursues the Pirates outfielder at the MLB trade deadline.
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