Pair of Pirates players throw cold water on possible position changes

If the Pittsburgh Pirates are going to turn a corner in 2025 following back-to-back 76-86 campaigns, they will need Bryan Reynolds to keep providing steady production at the plate. Whether he will be doing it as an infielder or an outfielder, though, has been largely up for debate.

Reynolds, who led the National League in assists (11) as an outfielder last season, prompted speculation about a possible position change when he was seen fielding practice ground balls at first base late in the year. However, he said at PiratesFest over the weekend that he anticipates staying in the outfield for the time being.

“They’ve told me I’m going to play shortstop,” Reynolds said jokingly (via Greg McAfee of DK Pittsburgh Sports). “I haven’t done much. I’ve been throwing with a first-base glove and catching with it. But, I expect to be in the outfield for most [games] I’m sure. But we’ll see.”

For now, we'll have to take Reynolds at his word. But we are talking about a team that pulled a fast one on Oneil Cruz midseason last year and shipped him from shortstop to center field without warning; thus, it's a situation that bears monitoring.

Pirates' Bryan Reynolds, Endy Rodriguez throw cold water on possible position changes

Another Pirates player who has been rumored to be a candidate for a position change is 24-year-old catcher Endy Rodriguez, who missed the majority of last season recovering from elbow surgery on his throwing arm.

There has been speculation that Rodriguez may move from behind the plate to a position that places less strain on his elbow. However, when asked at PiratesFest about the possibility of playing at first or second base, Rodriguez said that he hasn't had any conversations with the Pirates about playing any other positions. 

"I'm a catcher, but I'm ready to play whatever they want," Rodriguez said (via McAfee). "I just want to help the team, so wherever they need me, I want to play there."

The emergence of Joey Bart as the Pirates' No. 1 catcher last season has created somewhat of a logjam at the position. The Pirates also still have Jason Delay and former first overall pick Henry Davis, so it remains unclear who will earn the No. 2 catcher slot behind Bart.

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