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Bryan Reynolds and Mitch Keller, the Pittsburgh Pirates' most seasoned players, have issued a clear call to action: it's time for the organization to fully commit to winning. The duo, who signed franchise-record extensions with the hope of turning the team's fortunes around, now see tangible progress and believe the moment has arrived to push all chips to the center of the table.
Reynolds inked an eight-year, $106.75 million deal in April 2023, making him the first $100 million player in Pirates history, while Keller followed in February 2024 with a five-year, $77 million contract that briefly set a new team benchmark for average annual value. These investments were made on the premise that better days were ahead, and now, with the team hovering around .500 and within striking distance of the postseason, that belief is being validated.
'One hundred percent,' Keller affirmed. 'That's why me, B-Rey, Ke'Bryan—when he was here—we were all bought in that we could make something happen here. I think we're seeing it. We're seeing a good team here. Now, it's time to go all-in.'
The Pirates (55-54) entered their series against the Cincinnati Reds in third place in the NL Central, just two games back in the wild-card race. A postseason berth would end a 10-year drought, the second-longest in Major League Baseball behind only the Los Angeles Angels. For Reynolds, the prolonged absence from October baseball has been a constant source of motivation.
'That doesn't sit well,' Reynolds said. 'It's why you play, you know? We're in the midst of it. Hopefully, we make some big-time moves that put us in position to do it. You almost feel like you've earned that, to have some wind behind your sails. I feel like we've definitely earned that.'
Key Analysis
Last season, the Pirates found themselves in a similar position at the trade deadline but made only modest additions—lefty reliever Jalen Beeks, outfielder Bryan De La Cruz, and infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa—which proved insufficient as the team collapsed, losing 12 of 13 games. This year, with a mandate from team president Travis Williams that 2026 must be a playoff year, the front office is under pressure to be more aggressive. General manager Ben Cherington acknowledged the need to act, stating, 'We have the resources to win games and be playing baseball in October. We have to go do our jobs.'
The Pirates have clear needs: bullpen depth, particularly a closer and a right-handed reliever who can neutralize left-handed bats, plus a right-handed power hitter. Internal reinforcements are also on the horizon, with catcher Endy Rodriguez returning from injury, first baseman Spencer Horwitz recovering from a concussion, and center fielder Oneil Cruz expected back by mid-August. Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin, who signed a nine-year, $140 million extension in April, is also slated to return from a fractured hand in September.
Keller and Reynolds have been carrying the load recently. Keller has rebounded from a rough stretch to post quality starts, while Reynolds has delivered clutch hits, including a game-tying double and a home run in extra innings. Their performances have not gone unnoticed by manager Don Kelly, who praised their contributions in high-pressure situations.
Second baseman Brandon Lowe, who has postseason experience with the Tampa Bay Rays, emphasized that the players must focus on what they can control. 'We can go out there and make it more difficult for Cherington and their decisions in the front office,' Lowe said. 'But as we go through it, it's about keeping putting a good product on the field and controlling what we can control.'
For Keller and Reynolds, the journey from perennial losers to contenders has been long and arduous. They have endured losing seasons, including back-to-back 100-loss campaigns, and have watched the playoffs from home for years. Now, with a real chance to break through, they are determined to seize the opportunity.
'It's a completely different feeling,' Keller said. 'It's way more fun, that's for sure, showing up to the yard every day knowing that there's a meaningful game to be played that night. I think everybody in here could say the same thing. We're all super bought in on just whatever it takes to win the game that night because we all know what that means.'
Reynolds echoed that sentiment, adding, 'Obviously, everybody wants to play in the playoffs. I've gone home for the last seven years and watched the playoffs on my couch every year, so hopefully this seems like the year to change that. It would mean a lot just because we've been on a bunch of bad teams. Making it would be sick.'
Originally reported by triblive.