The Yankees are finalizing a deal to acquire RHP David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for their number eight prospect, catcher Rafael Flores. Also included in the trade are catcher/first baseman Edgleen Perez and outfielder Brian Sanchez. The move comes amid a flurry of trades as teams scramble for last minute depth just hours from the deadline at 6:00 p.m.
Bednar Brings Needed Depth and Control
The 30-year-old reliever ranks among the league’s top controllable arms and is owed just $1.87 million more this season. Because the Yankees are over the luxury tax threshold, Bednar’s true cost comes closer to $3.9 million. Still, for a team in desperate need of reliable bullpen help, that price is justifiable. The right-hander remains under team control through next season and brings much-needed depth to a bullpen that’s been stretched thin all year.
A two-time All-Star, Bednar struggled throughout 2024 and opened this season on uncertain footing. He spent time in AAA Indianapolis earlier this year, working through mechanical issues and rebuilding his command. Since his return, he’s looked like his old self. Over 37 innings, Bednar has posted a 1.70 ERA with a strikeout rate of 34%. His velocity is back up, and his splitter has become a legitimate out pitch. This is exactly the kind of swing-and-miss arsenal New York’s bullpen has lacked.
Get Your Inside The Diamonds Merchandise Here
Versatile in Relief
The move carries additional significance with two veteran arms—Devin Williams and Luke Weaver—set to hit free agency this winter. There’s no guarantee either will return, and Bednar offers insurance if General Manager Brian Cashman decides not to pursue an extension. Even if one does come back, Bednar adds valuable depth and gives Aaron Boone more flexibility with late-inning matchups.
The Yankees bullpen has carried a heavy load this season. With starters struggling to go deep into games, relievers have routinely been asked to cover four or more innings. That workload is unsustainable, particularly with Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr. still on the IL. Bednar isn’t just another arm—he’s a proven closer with high-leverage experience and swing-and-miss stuff. He can eat innings, shorten games, and stabilize the middle of the pen while others get healthy.
Purchase Tickets via Ticketmaster
Bullpen Reinforcements
If the Yankees are serious about contending in October, they’ll need more than just reinforcements—they’ll need arms they can trust. Bednar fits that profile and could end up being one of the most impactful additions Cashman makes all year.
One thought on “New York Yankees Trade for David Bednar”