3 Takeaways From Pittsburgh Pirates Series Victory In San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA - MAY 19: Colin Moran #19 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is congratulated by Josh Bell #55 and Bryan Reynolds #10 after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park May 19, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - MAY 19: Colin Moran #19 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is congratulated by Josh Bell #55 and Bryan Reynolds #10 after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park May 19, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
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SAN DIEGO, CA – MAY 17: Bryan Reynolds #10 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park May 17, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – MAY 17: Bryan Reynolds #10 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park May 17, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)

Bryan Reynolds is quickly becoming a vital piece to the puzzle

The Andrew McCutchen trade keeps looking better and better for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Crick had already proved his value to this team last season and has continued to do so this season. Now the other piece of that trade, outfielder Bryan Reynolds, is doing the same.

Against the Padres Reynolds went 6-for-17 with two walks, a double, and a pair of home runs. This included some clutch hits. Both of his home runs played a key role in a Pirate victory, and his double on Sunday led to a key insurance run.

80 plate appearances into his MLB career he is slashing .320/.363/.533 with a .379 wOBA, 140 wRC+, and an extra base hit rate of 13.3%. Reynolds has also been a strong defender in left field, as he’s been worth +4 defensive runs saved. This is especially impressive due to how difficult left field at PNC Park can be to play.

A month into his MLB career Reynolds looks like a legitimate National League Rookie of the Year candidate. He also looks like a player that will be a starting oufielder for the Pirates for the foreseeable future. With how well both he and Melky Cabrera are playing it will be interesting to see what the team does when 2018 Gold Glove Award winner Corey Dickerson gets health.

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