Yankees Finalizing Trade for Former All-Star Closer
With the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline drawing to a close, the New York Yankees needed to make some moves to bolster their bullpen. As well as their starting rotation. Since current closer Devin Williams has struggled since the all-star break, the team took necessary steps to strengthen this spot by trading for David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Trading for Bednar can take the stress off of Williams and Luke Weaver, and allow for an elite trio to close games for the Yankees.
Bednar, a former all-star and one of the most highly regarded closers in the league, has been very impressive in his seventh season. Last season, Bednar saw a dip in production with a 5.77 ERA, the highest it had been since the 2020 season. Bednar was an all-star in 2022 and 2023 and led MLB in saves in 2023 with 39. The right-handed pitcher has made immense improvements this season, pitching to a 2.37 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched. Bednar’s 33% strikeout rate will prove to be a great acquisition.
According to MLB reporter Robert Murray, Yankees minor league catcher Rafael Flores is the headliner of the deal, along with two other players. This season across Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre, Flores batted .279 with 16 home runs and 60 RBIs. Flores was the Yankees’ number eight prospect before the trade, and could improve the Pirates’ major league lineup once the trade is finalized. Edgleen Perez, a 19-year-old catcher, is also in the deal. The last player in the deal is Brian Sanchez, a 21-year-old outfielder in Single-A.
New York’s trade for Bednar was much needed for the team, especially with the bullpen being used so heavily in last night’s extra-innings win against the Tampa Bay Rays. With the team relying so much on Weaver, Williams, and Tim Hill, it’s easy to see that the bullpen is being overused and can be more susceptible to injuries. With the expectation that the team will be playing deep into October, relievers are going to be tired and can be the cause of losing close games. With the bullpen being strengthened with Bednar’s arrival, the team can also look forward to adding Mark Leiter Jr. and Fernando Cruz soon as well.
