Bryan Reynolds' first public comments at spring training keep door open for Dodgers

Reports of Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds rescinding his trade request and breaking bread with the 'Burgh brass have been greatly exaggerated.

Can someone in the Dodgers front office let David Peralta know that he should expend a little more energy in the first half, considering he might not have to save any gas for August and September?

Pirates reporters and rooters were on the edge of their seats Wednesday as Reynolds reported to camp to deliver his first public comments and responses after requesting a trade this winter in unorthodox fashion. This isn't the NBA. This also isn't something that's typically done with three years of control still remaining prior to free agency.

He's also quite obviously ... still in the same place. So has the anger moved to the backburner, or is it still boiling?

According to Reynolds, "Without getting too much into it, it was a difference in opinion on how we viewed my worth as a player. That’s where we ended up." And where are "we" now? Reportedly still the same amount apart in dollars. Andrew Friedman, stay ready.

Dodgers don't have to rule out Bryan Reynolds trade after Pirates spring training opens

Reynolds, to his credit, handled this diplomatically. He didn't eliminate the Pirates as his now-and-forever landing spot, actually making clear that he'd prefer to remain in Pittsburgh on a deal that's fair for both sides.

"I think I've been pretty open these last few years that my No. 1 would be to sign an extension in Pittsburgh. I want that to be a fair deal for both sides. Not one side or the other. Not a crazy player, not a crazy team deal."

Bryan Reynolds, Pittsburgh Pirates

Only problem? The two sides haven't moved, meaning Pittsburgh hasn't begun to approach what Reynolds would refer to as a fair midpoint.

If Reynolds' price hasn't changed, then the Pirates' trade demands likely haven't, either. While the "Juan Soto haul" comments came from a sarcastic third party, and shouldn't be viewed as gospel, Pittsburgh has no reason to move quickly. Add in the fact that even an aggrieved Reynolds would rather stay in a Pirates uniform than move on, and the team has no reason to bend to the Dodgers' will and give up their three years of control.

Don't believe anyone when they tell you Reynolds' trade request has been rescinded, though. If nobody budges during the season's first half, the Dodgers are one Gavin Stone/Bobby Miller away from taking the inside lane here.