After a host of top-end relievers, like Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers, and Jhoan Durán were moved yesterday, it seemed like the Yankees and David Bednar were destined for each other. Indeed, after a long day of flirtation, Jeff Passan reports that the Yankees and Pirates have agreed on a deal that will send the right-handed Bednar to the Bronx in exchange for Rafael Flores and two other prospects, pending medical review.
The Yankees appeared to have their eye on the Pittsburgh closer for some time now,
and when it came down to it, the two sides just matched up too well to ignore. New York’s bullpen has been leaking for weeks now, and after a poor 2024 campaign, Bednar has re-established himself as one of the game’s top relievers in 2025. Though save opportunities are tough to come by with the Pirates these days, Bednar has made the most of his chances, running a 2.37 ERA and 1.96 FIP in 38 innings.
Just as importantly, Bednar has the sort of power arm the Yankee bullpen has been crying out for this season. Bednar is unafraid to challenge hitters with his four-seam fastball, which sits just above 97 mph. He complements the heater with two top-tier secondaries in his curveball:
And his splitter:
To boot, Bednar is also more than just a pure rental. The 30-year-old will hit free agency after the 2026 season, giving the Yankees some medium-term late-inning stability, with Luke Weaver and Devin Williams both due to become free agents this winter.
The package headed to Pittsburgh is headlined by catcher Rafael Flores, a very fine prospect with a good arm and an .825 OPS split between Double- and Triple-A this year. We’ll have added detail on the prospects sent to the Pirates in the upcoming hours, but at first blush, this looks like an acceptable price to pay for a good player at a position of need. Much more to come, but for now, let out a sigh of relief, as the Yankees at last have their needed bullpen addition.
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