The Pittsburgh Pirates made history on Tuesday with the signing of outfielder Bryan Reynolds to an eight-year, $106.75 million contract extension, according to sources. This marks the largest deal in franchise history and makes the Pirates one of four major league teams to have never signed a player to a $100 million contract.
After negotiations stalled during spring training when Reynolds requested an opt-out, talks resumed in recent days and a limited no-trade clause helped seal the deal. The Pirates announced the extension on Wednesday, but did not disclose financial terms.
Reynolds, who originally requested a trade from Pittsburgh over the winter, has had a strong start to the season, leading the team with 18 RBIs and tied for the club lead with five home runs. This has helped buttress the Pirates, whose 16-7 record is the best in the National League and second only to the Tampa Bay Rays.
The 28-year-old Reynolds will receive a $2 million signing bonus on top of the $6.75 million he was scheduled to make this year. He will receive $10 million next year, $12 million in 2025, $14 million in 2026, and $15 million each year from 2027 to 2030. The contract also includes a ninth-year team option for 2031 with a $20 million option and a $2 million buyout.
Reynolds’ career has been impressive, with 14 wins above replacement over his five-year career ranking 34th in baseball. He will also receive the right to block a trade to six teams of his choice annually, but no opt-out.
The deal is similar to ones previously signed by the Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton and the Seattle Mariners’ Kyle Seager. Reynolds’ primary position has been center field, but he has spent more time in left field this year. In 2021, he made the National League All-Star team and hit .302/.390/.522 with 5.9 WAR. For his career, Reynolds is hitting .282/.359/.484 with 79 home runs and 257 RBIs in 515 games.
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