Bryan Reynolds 2022 Player Outlook: One Of The Few Bright Spots For The Pirates
3 years agoPittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds became a cornerstone player in 2021 and was named an All-Star in his first full season in the majors. After a disappointing 2020 shortened campaign (.189-7-19), the 26-year-old bounced back last season by slashing .302/.390/.522 with 24 home runs, 90 RBI, 93 runs scored, and five stolen bases over 159 games. He increased his BB% from 10.1% in 20202 to 11.6% in 2021 while cutting his K% down from 27.4% to 18.4%. Reynolds could be on the move as he reportedly drew significant trade interest from other teams during the offseason. Still, Pittsburgh will be in no rush to move the outfielder as he is under team control until 2025. The Pirates are projected to have one of the weakest lineups in 2022 and were dead last in runs scored in 2021. A change of scenery for Reynolds would only increase his fantasy value. Despite hitting third for a weak Pirates lineup, Reynolds, along with Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto, were the only two hitters to hit above .300, smash 20 homers, log 90 RBI, score 90 runs, and swipe five bags last season. His .345 BABIP is unsustainable; fantasy managers should expect a batting average closer to .275 in 2022. Steamer is projecting the Pirates outfielder with .278/.364/.470 with a .356 WOBA over 150 games in 2022. According to RotoBaller's Expected Draft Values, Reynolds Steamer's projection makes him roughly below fair value at his current NFBC ADP of 99.