The New York Yankees were not able to land Jhoan Durán or Mason Miller for their bullpen. However, they could still find a way to trade for David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Yankees acquired Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in the offseason. He has not been as dominant as he was in the past, and it’s not hard to see the Yankees letting him walk. If Williams leaves after the season, the Yankees would need a closer, but they could even benefit from adding one right now.
The Pirates are sellers, and Bednar could be a solid fit for the Yankees. He is under club control past this season, and FanSided’s Adam Weinrib predicted the Yankees would pull off a trade for him.
“Jack Curry singled out Bednar on Wednesday night for good reason; when he speaks to endorse an option rather than refute one, it’s usually because a deal has been substantially discussed,” wrote Weinrib. “Bednar is on an absolute heater in Pittsburgh, and while he went through a difficult year-long slump in 2024, he’d be the highest-upside closer the Yankees could bring on at this point in time. It’ll cost ’em, but we know the Pirates are scouting Carlos Lagrange. Add Roc Riggio for some MLB-ready thump and JC Escarra and call it in?”
Bednar has a 2.37 ERA and 17 saves this season. He would see more save opportunities on the Yankees, and he has been great since returning to the big leagues.
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He struggled last season and was sent to Triple-A after three games this year. Since returning, he has a 1.70 ERA and 16 saves. Williams could serve as his setup man and give the Yankees bullpen a jolt. A trio of Luke Weaver, Williams and Bednar at the end of games could be great for the team. Williams has pitched better as of late, but has not performed like the team would expect from its closer.
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