Pirates Rumors: David Bednar Traded To World Series Contender

David Bednar’s tenure with his hometown club will soon come to an end.

The New York Yankees are close to acquiring the shutdown closer from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal confirmed the deal was happening, pending medical review.

New York will send three prospects — catchers Rafael Flores (No. 8 on Yankees Top 30) and Edgleen Perez (No. 14), and outfielder Bryan Sanchez (N/R) — to Pittsburgh, according to The New York Post’s Jon Heyman.

Bednar, 30, has been incredible since returning to the big leagues after being optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis in April. The Yankees are hoping his return to form since April 19 — 1.70 ERA, 16 saves, 50 strikeouts — is permanent, and that he won’t revert to the pitcher who collected a 5.77 ERA in 2024.

Bednar was named the National League’s reliever of the month in June.

The Yankees had previously been tied to several other Pirates arms, so perhaps the two sides aren’t done making deals.

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