Bryan Reynolds' stunning home run robbery trend is silencing critics

When the Pirates signed Bryan Reynolds to an eight-year, $106.75 million contract in 2023, they weren’t thinking about his defense. They were locking in a guy who can consistently put up an OPS around .800 with solid speed and power. Any snazzy glove work would just be an added benefit, and that's exactly what Pittsburgh gained this week.

Since June 10, Reynolds has three home run robberies, tying Adam Engel for most in a single week. The first two came at the expense of former MVPs Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts of the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The third spoiled a drive by Miami Marlins outfielder Heriberto Hernández.

Considering he's been worth -13 outs above average in the field this season, this has certainly been a special week for Reynolds.

Bryan Reynolds is robbing home runs left and right, adding to his value for the Pirates

Throughout his career, one of Reynolds’ greatest assets has been his arm. Even at the age of 31, he ranks in the top 15% of big leaguers in arm strength. Ranging through the outfield and backtracking on long drives, though, has never been his forte. Additionally, Reynolds is adjusting to regularly playing left field after patrolling in front of the Clemente Wall in right for several seasons.

The position change may actually have been to Reynolds’ benefit. The six-foot wall in left is substantially shorter than center (10 feet) and right (21 feet). Perhaps the stints in these positions aided Reynolds, whose route-running ranks among the best in baseball.

Of most importance, though, is the impact these plays had on the outcome of the games. The Pirates eked out a win over the Dodgers by a single run on the day that Reynolds robbed Ohtani. The potential two-run homer surely would have swung the outcome in LA’s direction. Similarly, Pittsburgh downed Miami by a run when Reynolds thwarted Hernández. Essentially, the Pirates could have easily gone 1-9 over their past 10 games instead of 3-7.

Will Reynolds keep up this defensive exceptionalism? Realistically, no. But he will continue to find ways to help Pittsburgh win. From walk-off hits to spectacular catches, he keeps the Bucs in the ball game. That’s why they pay him the big bucks.

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