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Bryan Reynolds makes Pirates history with acknowledgment from BBWAA

ByEmma Lingan|
Sep 2, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds (10) celebrates with teammates after hitting a three-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the eight inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Sep 2, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds (10) celebrates with teammates after hitting a three-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the eight inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Bryan Reynolds etched his name into Pittsburgh Pirates history this week – and, fittingly, he did it rather quietly.

The Pittsburgh chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America named Reynolds the recipient of this year's Roberto Clemente Team MVP Award. It's the third time he's won the award, having also done so in 2021 and 2022.

Since the award was established in 1973, the only other Pirates players to win it three times are Dave Parker, Andy Van Slyke and Andrew McCutchen – who won it six times (via Alex Stumpf of MLB.com).

Reynolds has never been the loudest or flashiest player, often causing him to be overlooked by fans and the media. But in a Pirates season that has been filled with ups and downs, he has been the model of consistency throughout. In his sixth MLB season, he has hit .276 with a .787 OPS while racking up 22 home runs, 29 doubles and 85 RBI.

The Pittsburgh Pirates need more players like Bryan Reynolds in their lineup

Last year, Pittsburgh signed Reynolds to an eight-year, $106.75 million contract – the richest deal in franchise history. He leads the Pirates this season in batting average (.276), on-base percentage (.343), home runs (22) and RBI (85), is tied for the team lead with three triples, and ranks second in OPS (.787) and runs (70).

Though he was largely overshadowed by Pirates pitching phenom Paul Skenes, who became the fifth rookie in MLB history to start on the mound in the All-Star Game, Reynolds also earned his second career nod to the Midsummer Classic in July. That followed a 25-game hitting streak through late June, which is still the longest in the Major Leagues this season. Reynolds currently ranks fifth in the National League in hits with 166.

All that's missing from Reynolds' strong season is, of course, a postseason appearance. But until the Pirates can figure out how to fill their roster with more consistently productive players like Reynolds (hint: spend money on them), he won't be experiencing that anytime soon.

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