Bryan Reynolds, a two-time MLB All-Star and the Pittsburgh Pirates‘ most reliable hitter, has been enduring one of the toughest seasons in his career. Before the 2025 season, Reynolds held a career slash line of .276/.352/.470, including 157 doubles, 26 triples, 122 home runs, and 411 RBIs over 794 games. However, as the Pirates opened their series against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, Reynolds was hitting a disappointing .236/.294/.374 with only 10 home runs for the year.

During the Reds broadcast, radio announcer Chris Welsh took note of Reynolds’ slump, attributing the change to the exhausting nature of playing for a team that has struggled for years. Welsh said,

“It could be that he has spent his entire career here for the Pirates. After a while, it just saps you, playing for a last-place club year in and year out. I mentioned earlier that you’ve got to go back to 2018 to find the last time the Pirates finished over .500 – and even then, they only won 82 games.”

—Chris Welsh, Radio Broadcaster

Instant Response: Reynolds’ Game-Changing Home Run

In a dramatic twist, just seconds after Welsh’s comments, Reynolds faced a 3-0 sinker from Reds right-hander Brady Singer and launched the pitch deep to left field for a solo home run. This early solo shot gave the Pirates a 1-0 lead, sparking a 7-0 victory over Cincinnati. The homer seemed to symbolize a possible turning point for Reynolds amid the frustrations of playing on a team mired in last place.

Signs of Improvement After a Midseason Struggle

While Reynolds has endured personal difficulties, the Pirates’ continued presence near the bottom of the National League Central standings is an undeniable reality, reflecting a challenging decade for the franchise. Despite this, Reynolds appears to be regaining form following his rocky first half. Since the All-Star break, the switch-hitting outfielder has lifted his performance to a .310/.356/.464 line, collecting 26 hits in 21 games. His recent home run against the Reds marked his first of the second half, fueling expectations that he will continue to improve as the season progresses.

It may be that public criticism from rival broadcasters acts as motivation for Reynolds. Notably, the Reds have not won a playoff series since 1995, while the Pirates last advanced past the postseason in 2013—with both milestones connected by past contested games between these teams.

Potential Impact on Pirates’ Future Momentum

Bryan Reynolds’ ability to silence skeptics with key plays like his recent home run could have broader implications for the Pirates. As a cornerstone player, his resurgence can boost team morale and possibly help the franchise escape its prolonged struggles in the National League Central. If Reynolds maintains his late-season surge, it may rejuvenate hope for a Pirates comeback season that defies early disappointment and restores confidence in their long-term prospects.