The Yankees are adding to the back end of their bullpen, working to finalize a trade for David Bednar from the Pirates, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Thursday. The clubs have not confirmed the move.
The Pirates will receive catcher Rafael Flores (ranked No. 8 on the Yankees’ Top 30 list, according to MLB Pipeline), as well as two other prospects, per a source: catcher/first baseman Edgleen Perez (No. 14) and outfielder Brian Sanchez.
Bednar’s season got off to a very shaky start — he was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis after taking two losses in the opening series in Miami — but he has been in top form since being recalled in mid-April. He is a perfect 17-for-17 in save opportunities this year and went 23 straight appearances without allowing an earned run from May 24-July 26.
TRADE DETAILS
Yankees get: RHP David Bednar
Pirates get: C Rafael Flores (Yankees’ No. 8 prospect), C/1B Edgleen Perez (Yankees’ No. 14), OF Brian Sanchez
A revitalized curveball has been the much-needed second offering Bednar didn’t have in his down 2024 season. Of his 51 strikeouts this year, 21 have come on the pitch, registering a 37.5% whiff rate and .190 batting average against.
Bednar has pitched to a 2.37 ERA over 42 appearances this year, the lowest clip of his career since 2023 (2.00 ERA), when he tied for the National League lead in saves (39).
A product of nearby Mars, Pa., the two-time All-Star became a favorite in Pittsburgh for his local ties and his performance on the field. He is one of five Pirates to accrue 100 saves with the club since the stat became official in 1969.
