
3. Bryan Reynolds
Here we have over a year’s worth of rumors/connections to work with. The Yankees were reportedly interested in Reynolds last offseason, before the trade deadline, and now again this offseason. The Pirates outfielder requested a trade after the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement on a long-term contract.
But again, this will cost a ton. Reynolds, an athletic defender and good all-around hitter, is under club control for another three seasons. He’ll be making $6.75 million in 2023 and will hit free agency after his age-30 season. You’re getting his prime at a cost-effective rate.
You’d guess Oswald Peraza and Jasson Dominguez would headline this deal, Reynolds would take over in left field for 2023, and then shift over to center in 2024 after Harrison Bader leaves in free agency. But again, we wonder if it’s worth paying an exorbitant price for an outfielder, a position that’s relatively easy to come by in all markets.
That said, nobody’s going to complain if Reynolds is in pinstripes on Opening Day. He’s a game-changer that would improve the defense, lengthen the lineup, and provide a different dynamic to a roster desperately in need of versatility (Reynolds is a switch hitter and can play multiple outfield positions).