Yankees close to securing David Bednar from the Pirates
The New York Yankees are on the verge of finalizing a trade to acquire closer David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to sources close to the situation.
The agreement, which is pending a medical review, could significantly bolster the Yankees’ bullpen.
Bednar, 30, offers high-level performance without the cost associated with other elite relievers. This season, his salary is $5.9 million, and he is arbitration-eligible before becoming a free agent after the 2026 season.
Since his return from Triple-A in mid-April, Bednar’s performance has been remarkable. In his last 24 games through Wednesday, he has accumulated 29 strikeouts and only five walks, allowing only one earned run.
So far this season, the right-handed pitcher has 17 saves with an ERA of 2.37 and 51 strikeouts, compared to only 10 walks. Currently, he has his best career records in terms of strikeout rate and walks.
Bednar has managed to recover from a complicated 2024, where he had an ERA of 5.77, with a record of 3-8 and 23 saves (seven blown saves). He has regained the form that made him one of the top five relievers in baseball between 2021 and 2023. His repertoire includes a fastball that reaches 90 miles per hour, a breaking curveball, and an effective splitter.
