The Los Angeles Dodgers are in a strong position to reach the playoffs yet again, but it has hardly been plain sailing thus far. While their depleted pitching staff has been well highlighted, their roster is also rather thin in terms of outfield depth.
The Pittsburgh Pirates, on the other hand, have already been ruled out of postseason contention with more than half the season still remaining. Nevertheless, they have a host of talent in their ranks that other teams will be vying for at the trade deadline.
MLB Insider Reckons the Dodgers May Acquire Pirates Outfielder at the Trade Deadline
As per MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers may add Bryan Reynolds to their roster before the deadline closes. He believes the Pirates outfielder is one of two players they will want to move despite having them on long-term deals.
At the moment, the Dodgers are in clear need of pitching reinforcements with several key arms missing from their starting rotation and bullpen. However, they are likely to add to their options in the outfield.
Michael Conforto has been a massive disappointment since joining the team on a one-year, $17 million deal in the offseason. His averages are around .170 at present, almost 50 points below his career mark, while his OPS+ has nearly halved to 69 this season.
Moreover, former prospect James Outman has barely played this season and may get moved off the roster soon. Utility players Tommy Edman and Hyeseong Kim have been filling in the outfield whenever required.
“The Pittsburgh Pirates are flatly rebuking all interest from teams wanting to engage in trade talks for ace Paul Skenes but will listen to offers on every other player but him and outfielder Oneil Cruz,” Nightengale wrote.
“Two intriguing players are third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes and outfielder Bryan Reynolds. They were each expected to become cornerstone pieces of the franchise, and both have struggled, with the Pirates expected to put them on the market at the trade deadline. Reynolds is in the third year of an eight-year, $106.75 million deal, the largest in club history. Hayes is in the fourth year of an eight-year, $70 million extension.”
BRYAN REYNOLDS CLEARS THE BASES WITH A TRIP-TRIP-TRIPLE
4-1, BUCCOS
100.7 MPH exit velocity, .450 xBA pic.twitter.com/jfAolPTyMz
— Platinum Ke’Bryan (@PlatinumKey13) June 10, 2025
Reynolds has proven himself as an above-average hitter over his first six years with the Pirates. He came into the 2025 campaign after earning his second All-Star Game selection last year, along with a .276/.352/.470 slash line over his career and an OPS+ of 123.
However, the 30-year-old switch hitter is having a poor season, having batted .238/.311/.385 thus far. Nevertheless, he is seemingly turning it around, going 17-52 over the last 12 games with two home runs and 12 RBIs.
Therefore, for the Dodgers, Reynolds seems to be an upgrade on Conforto as things stand for a lesser cost as well. Moreover, they will be able to keep the Pirates’ All-Star on their roster for the next few years if they wish.
