Rich Schultz/Getty Images
Jon Heyman of the MLB Network said that the Pittsburgh Pirates extended a long-term contract offer to KeBryan Hayes.
After his first year of eligibility in 2024, he will be under team control for two more seasons. The 25-year-old third baseman can't hit the open market until 2027.
The Athletic's Rob Biertempfel and Ken Rosenthal reported that Pittsburgh's offer was insufficient.
The level of fan discontent in Pittsburgh has been building for some time, and this offseason has generated more frustration toward ownership and the front office.
The Pirates are going to take Bryan Reynolds to arbitration over what amounts to $650,000, after drawing a line in the sand with him.
Jason Mackey @JMackeyPGThis could & should happen with the Pirates & Bryan Reynolds.Reynolds $4.9 M, Pirates $4.25 M. Discussions, as I understand, were closer than $650 KFind a midpoint. Screw the file-and-trial precedent nonsense.
New rule: If your fWAR is over 5, we'll adjust file-and-trial. https://t.co/vpb1I3zX3q
Oneil Cruz was optioned to their Triple-A affiliate in what seems like a clear case of service time manipulation.
Bob Pompeani @KDPomp#Pirates Option ONeil Cruz to Triple-A...
I am not a fan of this...he's 24 year old...How long does he stay if he is one of your top prospects and NOBODY is blocking him
The Pirates are on pace to carry the third-lowest payroll in baseball, and will likely prolong their playoff streak to seven years.
Some good news would come from a new deal for Hayes.
The Texas native was an elite-level defense.
His work at the plate was not a good one. In 96 games, he had six home runs, 38 RBI and a.257/.316/.373 slash line.
His wrist trouble could be the reason for some of his offensive struggles.
The Pirates were optimistic about his value going forward because of his defense, and they extended him a contract because he fits into their plans.
A new contract that covers the first few years of his free agency could benefit both parties.
Pittsburgh would potentially get him at a lower rate than he would command on the open market, and he would have a level of financial security.
This pursuit could backfire for the Pirates if they wind up consistently lowballing one of their better players, thus antagonizing one of their better players and further inflaming the fanbase that wants to see ownership make a bigger financial commitment.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
