BRADENTON, Fla. — There has been plenty of chatter about the idea of Bryan Reynolds seeing some time at first base this season. But one of the few people unwilling to partake in the discussion is the man himself.
Reynolds reported to Pirate City last week to begin preparing for his 2025 campaign. Some fans envisioned part of that preparation involving work at a new spot and in a way, they were correct. Not long after Reynolds arrived, manager Derek Shelton announced his intention to play newcomer Tommy Pham in left field, moving Reynolds to right.
"I think it's a combination of a bunch of things,” Shelton said. “We started him there last year at the beginning of the year and planned on keeping him there, and then because of other circumstances, [he went back to left]. But Bryan had, what, 11 outfield assists last year? And now we're going to shorten up where he's at. I think we can take advantage of his full skill set by being in right."
For some, Reynolds’ shift to the other corner outfield spot isn’t major news. As Shelton noted, the six-year big leaguer has seen his share of time there — 53 games, to be exact. With some familiarity already, along with an open spot at first base due to the injury of Spencer Horwitz, one wouldn’t be wrong to wonder if Reynolds could find himself in the mix at first base throughout spring training.
Reynolds, however, said there won’t be any infield practice in his near future.
"It sounds like I'm a right fielder,” Reynolds said Tuesday. “It helps to focus on that. Just focusing on that, being a right fielder."
Reynolds added later on that the move looks to be “more of a permanent” one “for now.” But that didn’t lead to much of a change in his offseason preparation. Once again, Reynolds worked with a weighted plyocare ball to increase his arm strength, something that led him to tie Ian Happ for the National League lead in outfield assists.
The big change in preparation, per Reynolds, begins now. There will be simple things, such as fielding batting practice from right field. There will also be a heavier focus on the finer details that come with the position, such as situational throws and alignments.
Another adjustment Reynolds will make this spring is learning to play with the Pirates’ new center fielder, Oneil Cruz. Moved away from shortstop in late August, Cruz took on the new position with hardly any experience, and Reynolds was impressed with the early results.
"I mean, baseball players figure it out, and athletes figure it out. He's both,” Reynolds said. “So it was a pretty good transition for him, and he'll just keep getting better at it, I'm sure. ...
“Speed, arm, all that's obviously gonna help him,” Reynolds added later on. “He looked pretty good for never having done it. I think he's just gonna keep growing and keep getting better."
A successful season for both Reynolds and Cruz is an absolute must for the Pirates should they hope to contend in 2025. Entering his seventh season on the North Shore, Reynolds has spoken about becoming more of a leader and doing so by continuing to set a strong example.
With a new position — and a developing center fielder by his side — Reynolds aims to establish that tone now.
"I think it all starts with the early days of spring here,” Reynolds said, “focusing on the little things, the small things in the outfield, the cage work, all the little things that go into big things and then when the games start, keeping that approach. I think it's all just like pushing a snowball down the hill.
“I think that's where we start."
First Published: February 18, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Updated: February 19, 2025, 10:43 a.m.
