MLB Trade Rumors: Bryan Reynolds Drawing Interest from Blue Jays Amid Yankees Buzz

A pair of AL East rivals could be facing off for All-Star Bryan Reynolds.

According to multiple reports, the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees both have interest in trading for the veteran outfielder:

Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic added that the Miami Marlins and Boston Red Sox are also "known to have interest."

Reynolds became one of the offseason's most intriguing targets when he requested a trade ahead of MLB's winter meetings.

"While it is disappointing, this will have zero impact on our decision-making this offseason or in the future," the Pittsburgh Pirates said in a statement on Saturday. "Our goal is to improve the Pirates for 2023 and beyond. With three years until he hits free agency, Bryan remains a key member of our team. We look forward to him having a great season for the Pirates."

So it's entirely possible Reynolds remains in Pittsburgh next season. But if the team does field offers, it should be able to bring back an attractive trade package.

Reynolds, 27, hit .262 with 27 homers, 62 RBI, 74 runs and a .807 OPS in 145 games. It was a solid season, though a bit of a step back after his 2021 All-Star campaign (.302 with 24 homers, 90 RBI, 93 runs and a .912 OPS).

For teams in need of an upgrade in the outfield, Reynolds—who has largely been a center fielder in his career but has some playing time in the corner outfield spots as well—would be a logical target.

Reynolds could allow Toronto to move George Springer to right field while giving the team more lineup balance as a switch-hitter. After trading former right fielder Teoscar Hernández to the Seattle Mariners, the Blue Jays have a need in the outfield. Reynolds would check a lot of boxes.

For the Yankees, meanwhile, Reynolds is a potential contingency plan if they lose Aaron Judge in free agency, ostensibly to his favorite team from childhood, the San Francisco Giants. The Yankees could also look to make a splashy move in free agency if Judge departs, though those options are dwindling with players like Trea Turner, Justin Verlander and Jacob deGrom already off the market.