Ke'Bryan Hayes had plenty on his mind opening day 2022. The season was about to start, he would later have a slight injury scare, and he had just agreed to a franchise record-setting eight-year, $70 million contract.
It was a busy day, to say the least.
Talking with his agent when the Hayes contract was signed, though, there was another thought that may not have been fully realized at that moment, but was important: He wasn't going to sign long-term if they thought the team wasn't going to start investing more into major-league payroll. Hayes was willing to be the first person through the door, but he didn't want to be the only one.
Now he has company and is no longer the record holder. Bryan Reynolds and the club are in agreement of an eight-year, $106.75 million extension that will keep the All-Star outfielder in Pittsburgh through at least 2030.
"Just super happy for him," Hayes said. "We’re all happy that he’s staying here and can’t wait until he gets back."
Reynolds was not at PNC Park Tuesday, as he is still on the bereavement list and is expected back Wednesday for the full pageantry of the day, including press conferences, television cameras, photographers and the works. Everything that Reynolds would probably prefer to avoid on most days.
But when you sign a contract that is going to shape most of your professional career and the franchise's future, it seems safe to assume it'll be worth it.
"I feel like he’s me a little bit like as far as personality," Hayes said. "He’s not the most outspoken, rah-rah type of guy. But, each and every night you know what you’re gonna get out of him. And he’s in that lineup every single night and we’re thankful for that. He plays hard each and every day. I think he plays the game the right way."
Even without Reynolds present Tuesday, the home clubhouse at PNC Park was buzzing Tuesday. The focus was, of course, on the Dodgers, but they are ready to celebrate in person with their friend, teammate and a face of the franchise.
"He's definitely one of the leaders of the team," Canaan Smith-Njigba told me. "How he goes about his business, how hard he works, how gritty he is on the field, Bryan does it all. It's incredible seeing him getting what he deserves."
It was a long process to get this point, which included a trade request to try to create urgency to get the deal done, a missed soft opening day deadline and requests for a player opt-out and a no-trade clause.
But during the process, there was one thing that was clear.
"I know he wanted to get it done," Wil Crowe said. "He loves it here."
"For all of us, Pittsburgh is such a great place," Crowe would continue. "From the fans to the field to the clubhouse to the people, it all works together. He enjoys being here. He’s the guy. You go different places, you might not be that person... He’s the guy here."
Observing Reynolds throughout the contract saga or spring training when negotiations picked back up or opening day when the contract's fate was in jeopardy, he was remarkably the same guy. The talks and requests didn't leak over into the clubhouse or on the field, something that his teammates appreciated.
"I think that's what being a pro is all about," JT Brubaker said. "That behind scenes stuff is his personal business. That's what he has go through and probably talk about on a daily basis with other people, like his agent. But for him to come to the clubhouse and never know that he was having all those conversations, career-worthy conversations, is unbelievable. It's a credit to him where you wouldn't know the difference. He was the same guy."
Signing Reynolds also sends a message to the group: The window is open.
The Pirates are one of the hottest teams in baseball to begin the season, currently sitting atop the National League Central with a 16-7 record. The goal and focus was to get better and to win more, but if this hot stretch continues, it could put them in those early playoff discussions.
Even if things do not fully come together and this is just a hot start, the franchise appears to be on the right trajectory, and the young players they will be calling up have a veteran they know they can look towards for years to come.
"Everybody in the locker room wants to win," David Bednar said. "That’s what we’re all about. To see the backing of that [from the team], even more so."
Crowe echoed that. Even if the Pirates have not had interest in trading Reynolds these last couple years, they know they don't have to worry about his name popping up on MLB Trade Rumors anytime soon. He's a Pirate.
He also jokingly hinted that Reynolds is going to start picking up the check more when they go out.
"Having him here, knowing he's going to be here, being a part of what we're doing, where we're going for a long time, it's awesome," Crowe said. "Extremely happy for him and his family. Happy for us in here because we know he's going to be here."
