Trading for Bryan Reynolds would bring one big problem the Reds can't ignore

With so few quality outfielders available ahead of the MLB trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Pirates could look to capitalize by netting a haul for franchise stalwart Bryan Reynolds. The outfielder hasn't been his typical self this season, but some advanced metrics suggest a return to his normal consistency is coming.

With any change of fortune, Reynolds will have a big second half, and if the Pirates were to trade the 30-year-old at the deadline, the Cincinnati Reds would love to have his bat in the lineup. However, Reynolds' potential juice may not be worth the squeeze because of one thing: future financial implications.

Reds fans have long called for Bob Castellini to open the checkbook more aggressively each offseason. Many were irate that Nick Castellanos wasn't retained after his 2021 All-Star campaign. Add in the Mike Moustakas and Jeimer Candelario contracts, and it feels like Cincinnati makes the wrong move much more often than the right one.

Trading for Bryan Reynolds could limit the Reds' financial flexibility in future seasons

Trading for Reynolds could follow a similar script. Even if his numbers improve this season — and his underlying metrics suggest he will — adding his contract screams bad news. Reynolds has five years and $72.25 million remaining on his current deal, plus a $20 million club option for 2031, his age-36 season.

Whether we consider ownership's financial cries a legitimate excuse or not, bad contracts hamper the Reds' offseason process. Candelario's $15 million salary prevented the team from pursuing higher-end outfield bats, like Teoscar Hernandez or Anthony Santander, in free agency. Austin Hays was a good find, but there's a reason he was available for a one-year, $6 million pact.

There's no guarantee that Reynolds regains his form and aids the Reds' 2025 playoff push, let alone enhances the roster in future seasons. His track record suggests he will, but making that bet is not worth the possible financial ramifications it would impose down the line.

Used wisely, $15 million can nab a quality baseball player. More importantly, it can be part of a larger investment to retain a superstar. Reynolds is the former, while a players like Reds superstar Elly De La Cruz is the latter. Unless Cincinnati's operating procedure changes, future money simply must be reserved to retain their own players. As good as Reynolds usually is, he's not worth that sacrifice.

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