Bryan Reynolds details how this spring was different with contract, trade chatter no longer an issue

Bryan Reynolds enters this season in a much different place than he did in 2023.

When Reynolds arrived at camp last year, his status with the Pirates was uncertain. He wanted to stay in Pittsburgh, but requested a trade because he hadn’t received a contract extension. For a period of time it seemed certain he would be dealt, but he began the season with the Pirates even in the absence of a new deal.

But late in April, the outfielder signed the biggest contract in franchise history, an eight-year, $106.75 million pact to keep him in Pittsburgh for the long haul.

So, suffice it to say that this spring was a little different. No trade requests, no contract uncertainties.

Reynolds told Rob Bradford on Audacy’s Baseball Isn’t Boring what this spring has been like with his future more certain.

“It helps keep your eyes on when you need to be ready and not panicking,” Reynolds said. “Not taking every at-bat so life or death, which in the long run will help a hitter and keep their head fresh.

“I wouldn’t say it was a big thing in my mind (last year), but you go through a couple bad games in a row and you’ll be like oh man, I’m screwing myself, I’m screwed and that snowballs from there. So, it can help settle you down and relax and just get back to playing.”

Reynolds ended up hitting .263 with a .790 OPS in 2023, mashing 24 homers with 84 RBIs on a Pirates team that got off to a blistering start before flaming out.