Yankees Acquire Elite Closer Bednar in Blockbuster Trade

Pittsburgh Star Bolsters Bullpen Amidst Struggling Relief Corps

The New York Yankees have significantly bolstered their bullpen with the acquisition of star closer David Bednar, pending a physical. This move aims to solidify a relief unit that has faltered in recent weeks, seeking to solidify their position as the team gears up for a playoff push.

Bednar’s Impressive Track Record

At 30 years old, **Bednar** brings a proven track record of elite performance. In 2025, he posted a 2.37 earned run average with 17 saves across 38 innings pitched for Pittsburgh. His season highlights include 51 strikeouts against just 10 walks and two home runs allowed, underscoring his dominance.

A native of Pittsburgh, **Bednar** initially joined the Pirates in 2021 after spending his first two major league seasons with the San Diego Padres. He has one year of arbitration remaining, ensuring his contract through the 2026 season.

His versatility and past success were evident in his All-Star selections with the Pirates in both 2022 and 2023, with a career-best 39 saves in 2023. Despite a brief stint in Triple-A earlier this season following a slow start, **Bednar** has since recaptured his form.

Yankees’ Bullpen Shakeup

The Yankees’ relief corps has struggled, recording the second-worst ERA in MLB in July at 6.29. **Bednar** is expected to join forces with **Devin Williams** and **Luke Weaver**, aiming to provide much-needed stability and shutdown innings. This season, MLB bullpens have seen varied success, with the Minnesota Twins’ bullpen leading in ERA at 2.72, according to FanGraphs.

Prospect Package for Pittsburgh

In exchange for the All-Star closer, the Pirates will receive a package of three promising prospects. Sources indicate that **Rafael Flores**, ranked as New York’s No. 8 prospect, and **Edgleen Perez**, the No. 14 prospect, are heading to Pittsburgh.

Rafael Flores, a 24-year-old catcher, earned a promotion to Triple-A this month after a strong performance at Double-A, where he hit .287 with 15 home runs in 87 games.

Edgleen Perez has spent the 2025 season at Low-A Tampa, maintaining a .604 OPS over 83 games.

The Yankees are acquiring David Bednar from the Pirates, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/nU3v2GkS4w

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 3, 2025

The final prospect in the deal is 21-year-old outfielder **Brian Sanchez**. The left-handed hitter is batting .281 with four home runs and 24 stolen bases at Tampa.

Bednar’s Pitch Arsenal

Originally a 35th-round selection by the Padres in 2016, **Bednar** commands a potent arsenal that includes a fastball reaching the upper 90s, a curveball, and a splitter.