Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds continues to solidify his reputation as one of Major League Baseball’s premier hitters in the 2025 season. The two-time All-Star has once again proven why he is the heartbeat of the Pirates’ lineup, delivering a combination of power, consistency, and clutch performances that have sent shockwaves through the league.
## A Stellar Season for the Switch-Hitting Star
Reynolds, a switch-hitting outfielder drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 2016 and traded to Pittsburgh in 2018, has been a cornerstone for the Pirates since his MLB debut in 2019. In 2025, he has elevated his game to new heights. Despite a slow start to the season, Reynolds has posted a .280 batting average with 16 home runs, 54 RBIs, and five stolen bases over 390 plate appearances as of mid-July, according to recent statistics. His ability to hit for both power and average has made him a standout in a Pirates lineup hungry for offensive firepower.[](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/2449444/bryan-reynolds/)
Earlier this season, Reynolds showcased his consistency with a remarkable 25-game hitting streak, the longest in MLB during the 2024 season and the fifth-longest by a Pirates player since 1900. During this stretch, he hit .360 with four home runs and 16 RBIs, proving his ability to dominate opposing pitchers. His June performance was particularly electric, boasting a .330 batting average with six home runs, including a grand slam against the New York Mets on July 4, 2025, that helped secure a 14-2 victory.[](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/2449444/bryan-reynolds/)[](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/2449444/bryan-reynolds/)
## A History of Excellence
Reynolds’ 2025 season builds on an already impressive career. In 2022, he set a career-high with 27 home runs, and he’s on pace to potentially surpass that mark this year, with projections suggesting he could hit 29 home runs. His consistency as a switch-hitter is unmatched in Pirates history, as he became the first switch-hitter in franchise history to hit 20+ home runs in four consecutive seasons. His 82 RBIs from the second spot in the lineup during a previous season also set a club record, surpassing Hall of Famer Paul Waner’s mark from 1932.[](https://www.mlb.com/player/bryan-reynolds-668804)
Reynolds’ accolades extend beyond raw numbers. He was named the Pirates’ team MVP (Clemente Award) by the Pittsburgh chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America and was a finalist for the Silver Slugger Award. His 24 home runs in a prior season led all National League center fielders, ranking fourth across MLB at that position. His ability to hit from both sides of the plate has drawn comparisons to Pirates legends like Bobby Bonilla, with Reynolds ranking among the franchise’s top switch-hitters in home runs.[](https://www.mlb.com/player/bryan-reynolds-668804)[](https://www.mlb.com/player/bryan-reynolds-668804)
## Overcoming Challenges
Despite his offensive prowess, Reynolds has faced challenges in 2025. His defensive performance in the outfield has been scrutinized, with some analysts noting it as the worst of his career. Discussions have emerged about potentially moving him to first base to preserve his bat in the lineup while addressing defensive concerns. Additionally, Reynolds briefly stepped away from the team in July to welcome a new child, missing a few games while on the paternity list. Upon his return, he snapped a 1-for-27 slump with a three-hit performance against the Texas Rangers, signaling his resilience.[](https://www.si.com/mlb/pirates/news/positives-negatives-pittsburgh-pirates-changing-bryan-reynolds-position)[](https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/bryan-reynolds-2-player)
Trade rumors have also swirled around Reynolds, with his name linked to teams like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. However, his eight-year, $106.75 million contract—the largest in Pirates history—includes a no-trade clause covering six teams, including the Giants, Dodgers, and Yankees, making a trade less likely. For now, Reynolds remains a Pirate, much to the delight of Pittsburgh fans who view him as the face of the franchise.[](https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2025/7/7/24462718/mlb-trade-deadline-rumors-pirates-outfielder-bryan-reynolds-no-trade-clause-giants-padres)
## A Blue-Collar Star in a Blue-Collar City
Reynolds’ workmanlike approach has endeared him to Pittsburgh’s fanbase. Described as the “true definition of a blue-collar player,” his lunchpail mentality resonates in a city that values grit and determination. His ability to deliver in clutch moments, like his three-run home run against the Mets or his two-run shot against the Giants, has cemented his status as a fan favorite.[](https://www.bucsdugout.com/2024/7/24/24204895/what-is-bryan-reynolds-legacy-as-a-pirate-pittsburgh-national-league-all-star)[](https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/bryan-reynolds-2-player)[](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/2449444/bryan-reynolds/)
As the Pirates push to end their nine-year postseason drought, Reynolds’ bat will be critical. His .275/.344/.447 slash line in 2024 and his continued power surge in 2025 suggest he’s far from slowing down. Whether he remains in the outfield or transitions to first base, Reynolds’ offensive contributions make him indispensable to Pittsburgh’s hopes of contending.[](https://www.si.com/mlb/pirates/news/positives-negatives-pittsburgh-pirates-changing-bryan-reynolds-position)
## Shaking Up MLB
Bryan Reynolds’ 2025 season is a testament to his status as one of baseball’s most underrated hitters. With a blend of power, consistency, and clutch hitting, he has shaken up MLB and put the league on notice. As the Pirates navigate the second half of the season, Reynolds’ leadership and production will be key to their success. For now, Pittsburgh fans can celebrate their star outfielder, who continues to etch his name into the franchise’s storied history.
