Pirates Relief Pitcher Predicted To Have Rebound Season In 2025

After contributing to their 76-86 finish last season, one Pittsburgh Pirates’ relief pitcher is predicted to help improve the bullpen next season.

The Pirates’ bullpen blew 36 leads last season, seven of which came in the ninth inning. Their ERA ranked 27 in the league with a 4.49 ERA, and closer David Bednar had his worst season since joining Pittsburgh in 2021. The Pirates were in the playoff hunt for most of the 2024 season, and an improved bullpen would make a big difference for next season.

After a rough 2024 season, Bednar is predicted to have a rebound season in 2025 for the Pirates, according to RumBunter’s Baron Dionis.

“One of the biggest letdowns in 2024 was two time All-Star closer David Bednar completely falling apart,” Dionis said. “He was unreliable as the team’s closer, which ended up resulting in Aroldis Chapman finishing the season out in the role. Bednar struggled with injuries all year, so a healthy arm could bring him back to his elite self.”

“In that three-year window where he was elite, Bednar posted an earned run average of 2.25 with a WHIP of 1.06 across 179.2 innings pitched. He struck out 226 batters and picked up 61 saves. Considering how many games those Pirates teams actually won, that amount of saves is solid. The Pirates need him to rebound in 2025 and, with his past, there is a great chance that he does.”

Bednar had a 5.77 ERA last season, giving up 37 earned runs with a 2.1 K/BB ratio in 62 appearances. Across his three previous seasons with the Pirates, he averaged a 2.28 ERA, conceding only 15 earned runs a season with a 4.1 K/BB ratio in 172 appearances. If he can return to form in 2025, the Pirates’ playoff hopes will seem more like a reality.

More MLB: Pirates Predicted To Be Leading Division Before 2025 All-Star Break