Saturday Thoughts: Bryan Reynolds position change, pitchers getting paid

Some random thoughts from this week in baseball

Photo Credit: WTM

Some observations after a busy week of baseball and lead-up to the Winter Meetings:

We aren’t sure how true it is yet, but after the report by Ken Rosenthal that the Pirates were looking to have Bryan Reynolds play first base on a part-time basis this upcoming season, it really got me thinking about how the roster may look come Spring Training 2025.

Or better yet, what moves may be on the way this offseason.

I’m not opposed to moving Bryan Reynolds to first base, but this half-in, half-out idea doesn’t sit right with me.

Either go all in with the move or just don’t do it. This feels where they weren’t sure whether they wanted to buy or sell at the deadline, missed an opportunity to capitalize on Aroldis Chapman’s potential trade value, and their only additions were more on the safe side that didn’t come with much upside (one failed miserably).

Reynolds, statistically, would immediately be a top-10 first baseman based on offensive output.

Instead, this gives off the vibe they will plug and play while trying to get too cute with too many offensive positions.

A platoon here, a platoon here, without actually solving any actual problem (and spending money). Looking at the 40-man roster, you could piece together multiple platoons while sprinkling Reynolds in at first and the outfield.

They could even toss in another platoon-style free agent in the outfield as well.

Maybe this will lead to a significant signing or a trade, but either way, figure out a path and stick with it.

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Pitchers are getting PAID.

I could probably end that there, as it’s true.

Luis Severino will be making $20+ million per year to pitch in a Triple-A stadium.

Clay Holmes’ deal actually comes out as a steal if he sticks in the rotation. It’s a little costly if he has to move back to the rotation. That feels okay to me the way that contract works out.

I didn’t realize how good Shane Bieber was in his first two starts before getting hurt. He’s coming off Tommy John, will turn 30 during the season, and could cash in if he opts into the second year of his deal.

What does all that translate into?

Trade. A. Pitcher.

The Winter Meetings seem the perfect place to make a move or at least lay the groundwork for one.

I’m not big into doing mock trades, but something with one of their many pitchers for a hitter that can help in 2025 sounds about right.

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I’ve been doing this for a couple of years now, and I think my biggest takeaway from covering mostly prospects is that you have to get in the mindset that a very high percentage of them won’t work out.

These kids are all chasing their dreams, so in that sense, I want them all to succeed but realize they won’t.

Cal Mitchell was one of the first players I gravitated to while watching the Pirates system.

He improved each year and always seemed to put together solid bats, and while he wasn’t great defensively, I thought he might hit enough to overcome it.

Of course, that wasn’t the case, and after a year in the Padres’ system, he signed a minor league deal with the White Sox.

Best of luck to him, especially after hitting .277/.359/.512 with 22 home runs (PCL induced) in Triple-A last year.

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