MLB trade deadlines can get very chaotic, occasionally leading to communication breakdowns. Deals can come together quickly, and sometimes players don’t even find out they’ve been traded until after the fact.
That’s what happened to former Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar, who was dealt to the New York Yankees on July 31. In a recent interview with the YES network, he revealed that he found out about the trade through social media.
“Honestly. I found out on social media before it broke,” Bednar told YES clubhouse reporter Meredith Marakovits. “I called my agent, just kind of talked to some other people. Didn’t get the confirmation until a little bit later.”
Bednar’s name had been heavily featured in trade rumors leading up to the deadline, so the move didn’t come as a total surprise for him.
“I think with all the noise, you kind of anticipate something. But at the end of the day, I was just trying to control what I could control,” Bednar said. “When I got the notification I was getting traded, it was definitely cool and I’m looking forward to this opportunity.”
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After being traded on Thursday, Bednar quickly joined the Yankees and made his debut for them on Friday against the Miami Marlins, giving up two runs on four hits in 1 2/3 innings during their 13-12 loss.
Despite the hectic nature of his trade, the two-time All-Star is excited to be with New York and start the next chapter of his career there.
“It’s been awesome. It’s been a whirlwind. It’s been great to meet all the guys. Just ready to get out there and compete,” Bednar told YES.
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After five seasons with the Pirates, the veteran reliever joins the Yankees in the midst of a playoff race. Despite getting swept by the Marlins over the weekend, they’re still eight games over .500 and control the second wild card spot in the American League.
Pittsburgh got three prospects in return for Bednar: Rafael Flores, Edgleen Perez and Brian Sanchez.
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