The New York Yankees have been relatively quiet this trade deadline. Despite giving up their lead in the American League East, the Yankees still have a shot at the top Wild Card spot, but with so many injuries on the pitching side, additions need to be made.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a couple of pitchers who have had rumors of being trade chips, and just three hours before the deadline, one of them is finally on the move, and the Yankees are the beneficiaries. New York is expected to be active before the final hours of the deadline, with Aaron Judge on the Injured List now and a hampered rotation. They are still shopping for a starting pitcher and more relievers.
Yankees Acquire David Bednar from Pirates
Per multiple insider reports, the New York Yankees are getting the best reliever left on the market in closer David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bednar drew a lot of interest from contending clubs looking for a high-leverage arm, but ultimately, it is New York that ends up landing the two-time All-Star closer. The Pirates are receiving prospects Rafael Flores, Edgleen Perez, and center fielder Brian Sanchez.
Bednar comes with an additional year of team control, so he is not a rental add for the Yanks, and should help the back end of their bullpen tremendously.
In 38 innings this season, Bednar has a 2.37 ERA, 51 strikeouts, and 17 saves. He led the National League in saves with 39 in 2023 when he was named to his second All-Star appearance.
The 30-year-old Bednar had an ERA of 5.77 in 57.2 innings last season, which resulted in him being sent down to Triple-A for a short period to start this season. However, since then, he has been flat-out one of the best relievers in baseball.
Steve Adams of MLBtraderumors.com was quick to the news and gave a reason for the Pirates’ unwillingness to move Bednar in the past:
“The Pirates have looked into trading Bednar in the past, though he’s a Pittsburgh native and favorite of owner Bob Nutting, who has reportedly intervened in some of his front office’s past discussions surrounding a Bednar trade. With the Pirates in the midst of another disappointing season and already having dismissed manager Derek Shelton, it’s seen as more likely that ownership will step to the side and let the front office earnestly explore the possibility.”
What Does This Move Do for New York?
It remains to be seen if Bednar will immediately take over the closer role for the New York Yankees. They have rolled with Devin Williams, who had a horrid start to the season, but is 17/19 in save opportunities, with an ERA of 5.01. Luke Weaver has also received some save chances, but one can assume it will be a closer-by-committee type situation for the time being until the Yankees make a real decision.
New York still needs another infield bat, a depth starter, and potentially more bullpen pieces, and there are just under three hours before the 6 p.m. deadline.
Time is quickly working against Brian Cashman and company.
Report: Yankees Acquiring 2.37 ERA Pitcher From Pirates