The New York Yankees significantly upgraded their bullpen ahead of Thursday’s 6 p.m. trade deadline, acquiring two-time All-Star closer David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to multiple reports.
The Athletic’s Stephen Nesbitt reports the Pirates received three prospects in return: catcher/first baseman Rafael Flores (New York’s No. 8 prospect), catcher Edgleen Perez (New York’s No. 14 prospect) and outfielder Brian Sanchez. None of those players are considered top 100 prospects by MLB Pipeline.
The full return for David Bednar, per source: C/1B Rafael Flores, C Edgleen Perez and OF Brian Sanchez.
— Stephen J. Nesbitt (@stephenjnesbitt) July 31, 2025
Bednar was one of the last remaining elite relievers on the market following trades of Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran and Ryan Helsley. The right-hander is also under team control through 2026, adding significant value to the deal.
Following a brutal start to the season, Bednar has rebounded with a 2.37 ERA across 42 appearances, recording 17 saves and 51 strikeouts in 38 innings. His fastball averages 97.1 mph (89th percentile) while his strikeout rate of 33.1% ranks in the 95th percentile.
With Bednar now in the Bronx, the Yankees boast a dominant trio at the back end alongside Luke Weaver and Devin Williams.
“The Yankees will have the best bullpen in the AL East with David Bednar, Luke Weaver and Devin Williams anchoring the final 3 innings,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale posted on X.
The Yankees will have the best bullpen in the AL East with David Bednar, Luke Weaver and Devin Williams anchoring the final 3 innings. https://t.co/1lSednpiyK
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2025
The addition addresses a clear need. Despite having Weaver and Williams, New York’s bullpen ranks 21st in ERA (4.24) and 20th in both WHIP (1.31) and home runs allowed (49). Bednar gives manager Aaron Boone another lockdown option and flexibility to mix and match his top three relievers depending on matchups.
