The rumor mill is starting to heat up regarding a potential trade involving Brian Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates. According to an anonymous beat writer, the New York Yankees have been in discussions with the Pirates regarding a trade for Reynolds.

Reynolds had a subpar season in 2022, hitting .262 with 27 home runs and 62 RBIs. He also had a on-base percentage of .345 and a OPS of .807. There are some concerns about his defense, particularly in center field. It is unclear what the Pirates are asking for in return for Reynolds, but it seems that the demand is high.

If the Yankees are able to acquire Reynolds, it could be a smart move for their lineup. He is a switch hitter who could potentially fit well in the two-hole for the Yankees, depending on who they have lead off. He could also provide some insurance as a backup for Bader or Judge.

The acquisition of Reynolds would give the Yankees a powerful lineup, with the potential of Reynolds batting second, Judge in the third spot, and Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo following. This would give the team a formidable group of hitters that could compete with any team in the league.

Additionally, the presence of Harrison Bader in center field would allow the Yankees to play Reynolds in left field, where his defense is not as much of a concern. Bader is an above-average defender, and his presence would allow the Yankees to have a strong defensive outfield.

It remains to be seen if the Pirates will lower their asking price for Reynolds and if the Yankees are willing to meet it. However, if the deal goes through, it could be a win-win situation for both teams. The Pirates would be able to receive a good return for Reynolds, while the Yankees would add a strong hitter to their lineup.