Pirates Have 24 Hours To Get Extension Done With Star OF

It's the contract extension discussion that just won't die. The Pittsburgh Pirates have about 24 hours to try to work out a long haggled-over deal to keep outfielder Bryan Reynolds in the City of Bridges. But trying to "bridge" the gap has been difficult.

Hearing Pirates have been trying to extend star CF Bryan Reynolds. Opening day seems to be a deadline. No word yet on Oneil Cruz or other young players.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 28, 2023

MLB Insider Jon Heyman says they're still trying, though the difference in terms seems to be substantial. The Pirates' first offer had been for about $76M over six years, but the Reynolds camp, at last check, was looking for something in the $135M range. 

According to Heyman, Opening Day is the deadline to get a deal done. 

A new report at Pirates' camp today is adding even more intrigue:

Bryan Reynolds and Derek Shelton just had a looong conversation here, and now Shelton is texting someone.

“Yep, Ben, told him he’s pitching Saturday. He was good with it.” pic.twitter.com/ztVKgZhCGk

— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) March 29, 2023

Per Pirates beat writer Jason Mackey, Reynolds and manager Derek Shelton had a "looong conversation" today outside the batting cage, followed immediately by Shelton texting someone. 

Reynolds made a trade request in the offseason after the Bucs' first lowball offer, but came to camp saying he'd be happy to stay, if the price was right. 

"I think I’ve been pretty open the past few years about that my No. 1 choice would be to sign an extension in Pittsburgh, but I want that to be a fair deal for both sides," said Reynolds.

If a deal doesn't get done by Thursday, it'll be interesting to see if trade talks are revisited.  

Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports