‘Talks like oatmeal’ – Pirates fans sarcastically mock Bryan Reynolds after stale interview

Feb 17, 2026 - 15:30

The Pittsburgh Pirates are going for it in 2026.

2025 was the same old story for the Pirates, finishing with a 71-91 record, good enough for last in the National League Central division.

Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks through the dugout prior to a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 24, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. — The Pirates have not appeared in the playoffs since 2015

Pittsburgh has faced past grievances from the Major League Baseball Players Association over their lack of spending, but this offseason things have been different.

They have been one of the most active teams in the market, and there is one player this is sure to please.

Outfielder Bryan Reynolds has been with the organisation since 2019 and has quickly become a fan favorite.

Despite never being a part of a team that finished with a record above .500, Reynolds signed an eight-year extension, keeping him on the Pirates until 2030.

The front office’s more aggressive nature and free-agent spending must make Reynolds happy, right…

Fans slam Reynolds for deadpan expression in interview

Speaking after a Spring Training workout, Reynolds was asked what the offseason additions mean to the lineup.

In a soft-spoken voice and facially locked face, Reynolds replied: “Yeah, I am excited about it.

“It’s just uhh… yeah it’s gonna be… Spring’s gonna be a little different now, different vibes, different thoughts.”

There is something about his demeanor however that didn’t settle well with Pirates fans.

“What a stale donut Bryan is… love the guy but holy crap dude talks like oatmeal.” One fan replied.

Bryan Reynolds #10 of the Pittsburgh Pirates rounds the bases during the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Thursday, September 4, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — Reynolds has slugged 138 home runs in his seven seasons with Pittsburgh

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“He couldn’t motivate me to make a sandwich.” another added.

“Bryan has always had a way with words and to show excitement.” A third replied.

Speaking in regards to the additions, one said: “Maybe it’s just his demeanor, but he almost doesn’t seem thrilled about the additions of those guys, idk.”

“Simply speechless as he has never had any average players around him.” A fifth said.

Pittsburgh’s additions in surprising offseason splurge

Pittsburgh has perennially been in the bottom-five of baseball for money spent on free-agents, with fans pleading with the front office to spend money to supplement stars Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz.

It appears that general manager Ben Cherington has listened. This offseason, the Pirates have been busy trying to build a team that can post a winning record for the first time since 2018.

General Manager Ben Cherington of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on during a spring training workout at Pirate City on February 12, 2026 in Bradenton, Florida. — Ben Cherington has suggested that the Pirates are not done adding as Spring approaches

They have added sluggers Ryan O’Hearn and Marcell Ozuna, the former being Pittsburgh’s first multi-year contract handed out since 2016.

The major acquisition came through a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, acquiring Brandon Lowe, who slugged 31 home runs in 2025, in a three-team deal.

The Pirates 2026 will be defined by their offense and defense, and only time will tell if Cherington’s aggressiveness has paid off.

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