The New York Yankees sent catching prospect Rafael Flores and two other prospects for Pirates closer David Bednar, according to Jon Heyman. Flores ranked as the number eight prospect for the Yankees and has been incredibly productive over the past two seasons. He cruised through High-A and Double-A in 2024, posting a combined 21 homers with eight steals and a 152 wRC+ across the two levels. The 24-year-old stayed at Double-A to begin 2025, and slashed .287/.346/.496 with 15 homers and six steals in 370 plate appearances before being promoted to Triple-A. While he was older for the level, it's positive to see him crush that level. Flores hasn't been quite as good at the highest level of the minors with a 99 wRC+, but has posted the highest walk rate of his career at 22.4 percent. Touted for his framing ability on the defensive side, Flores is MLB-ready and could debut with Pittsburgh soon. He'll be someone to keep an eye on in two-catcher leagues in deep leagues.

The New York Yankees are finalizing a trade to acquire right-handed reliever David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Pirates will receive catching prospect Rafael Flores and two other minor leaguers in return. In Bednar, the Yankees are getting a proven high-leverage option to join Luke Weaver and Devin Williams at the end of games. The 30-year-old made his second All-Star Game this season and has posted a 2.37 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP and 51:10 K:BB in 38 innings. Bednar has also converted all 17 of his save opportunities, but it's unclear if he'll serve as the Yankees' closer. Williams has been shaky in that role this season. Either pitcher would lose fantasy value if not deployed as a full-time closer.

The New York Yankees are actively seeking bullpen reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline, with Pirates closer David Bednar emerging as a top target. Bednar owns a 2.37 ERA and 17 saves on a struggling Pittsburgh squad, while posting a career-best 33.1% strikeout rate. With Devin Williams underwhelming this season, the Yankees are expected to be aggressive in pursuit of late-inning help. Bednar would offer immediate high-leverage value and could even factor into closer duties in New York. Fantasy managers should monitor closely, as a move could boost his save chances.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar recorded the 100th save of his career in a 2-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday. Bednar took down the Diamondbacks in order and picked up a pair of strikeouts, including one against All-Star slugger Eugenio Suarez, in a 13-pitch ninth inning. The 30-year-old right-hander has converted all 16 of his save opportunities this season and posted a 2.19 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP, 51 strikeouts, and 10 walks in 37 innings. Thanks to his stellar production, Bednar is drawing interest from reliever-needy teams across the league as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. It seems likely Bednar will end up on the move. Depending on where Bednar goes, he may end the season in a setup role.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar slammed the door on the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, tossing a clean ninth inning to preserve a 2-1 win. Bednar allowed a leadoff single to Carlos Correa, but then got three straight outs, including two punchouts, to pick up his 13th save. The 30-year-old righty has been lights out since late May, going 18 straight appearances (17 IP) without allowing an earned run and converting all nine of his save chances in that time frame. Bednar is down to a 2.53 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 45 strikeouts in 32 IP on the season. Even with a shaky start, he has been one of the best closers in the majors.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar encountered trouble Tuesday, but he worked out of it to record his 12th save in a 1-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. The right-hander walked Jose Fermin to lead off the inning and later allowed a one-out double to Yohel Pozo. Bednar then locked down the Cardinals with two runners in scoring position, retiring Victor Scott II on a fielder's choice and striking out Brendan Donovan to end the game. The 30-year-old still hasn't blown a save this season and hasn't allowed an earned run since May 23. Overall, Bednar has pitched to a 2.73 ERA with 42:9 K:BB and a 1.15 WHIP in 29 2/3 innings.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar picked up his 11th save of the season in Monday's 5-4 win over the Brewers. Bednar entered to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning up by one. He allowed a leadoff single, got the first out on a caught stealing attempt, allowed a walk, got the second out on a strikeout, and ended the game with a fly-out. The 30-year-old had a poor 2024 campaign and was demoted to Triple-A Indianapolis at the beginning of the season. However, he has gotten back into shape, converting all of his save opportunities with a 2.93 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP, and a 12.69 K/9 rate in 27 2/3 innings of work. The Pirates may not offer as many save opportunities as other teams, but Bednar should still provide plenty of fantasy value if he can stay locked in.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar was called upon to hold a one-run lead against the Chicago Cubs on Friday. The right-hander was given the ball in the 10th inning with an automatic runner at second base to begin the inning. That didn't seem to bother Bednar as he tossed a perfect frame to record his 10th save of the season. The right-hander was thrown nine straight scoreless frames, which dates back to late May. It's nice to see Bednar getting back on the right track as he could be a popular name around the trade deadline. For now, he's worth rostering in fantasy formats where saves matter.

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander David Bednar tossed a scoreless ninth inning to preserve a 5-2 win over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday. Bednar did not allow a hit while striking out two to pick up his ninth save in as many opportunities for Pittsburgh this season. The veteran hurler now has a 1-4 record, 3.57 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts over 22 2/3 innings of work on the year. Bednar got off to a bit of a shaky start this season, but he has now logged eight straight scoreless appearances for the Pirates. He continues to have a firm grip on the closer's role in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher David Bednar pitched a perfect inning to secure his sixth save in Tuesday's 9-6 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Pittsburgh native landed ten of 14 pitches for strikes to notch back-to-back scoreless outings. Bednar was tasked with facing the top of the D-Backs lineup and quickly induced Corbin Carrol into a four-pitch strikeout before battling Geraldo Perdomo (fly out) and getting Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to chase on some high cheese to slam the door. The 30-year-old was sent down to the minors earlier this season after a poor showing to start the year, and was solid upon his return in mid-April. However, he's sporting a 4.66 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 11 May appearances. Bednar's strikeout rate is up in 2025 (32.4%), but it's a situation worth monitoring for now.

Pittsburgh Pirates reliever David Bednar shut the door Tuesday night, preserving a 1-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds for his fourth save in as many chances. After allowing a leadoff single to Reds outfielder TJ Friedl, Bednar induced a double play and ended the game with a flyout off the bat of shortstop Elly De La Cruz. Despite a strong April, the 30-year-old has a 4.91 ERA in May. On the season, he holds an (0-4) record with a 5.02 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, four saves, three holds, and 21 strikeouts across 14 1/3 innings. Bednar will look to regain consistency for a struggling Pirates team heading into June.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday. The 30-year-old was optioned to the minors after allowing four earned runs across three appearances early in the season. Since then, Bednar has tossed five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts over five appearances. Dennis Santana has been operating as the closer lately, so it's unclear if Bednar will take over the role. The expectation is Bednar will move back into a high-leverage role, but he might not get a ton of save opportunities right away. Bednar is worth monitoring in fantasy leagues, but isn't a must-have player right now.

Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed reliever David Bednar had another scoreless outing and picked up his third hold in his appearance with Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday night, tossing a shutout inning with one hit allowed, no walks and two strikeouts. After allowing four runs (three earned) and four hits in just one inning of work for the Pirates to start the year before being demoted to the minors, the 30-year-old veteran has now posted five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and no walks for Indy. Bednar had a rough 2024 campaign, too, posting a bloated 5.77 ERA (4.80 FIP), a 1.42 WHIP, 23 saves, 58 strikeouts and 28 walks in 57 2/3 innings pitched. He appears to be regaining confidence in the minors, but it remains to be seen if he'll be able to regain the closer's role in Pittsburgh from Dennis Santana whenever he rejoins the big-league roster.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned relief pitcher David Bednar to Triple-A Indianapolis. In a corresponding move, the Pirates promoted right-handed pitching prospect Thomas Harrington to the major leagues and designated catcher Jason Delay for assignment. Bednar has had a difficult start to the 2025 season after having similar struggles in 2024. Through three appearances this season, Bednar has tallied just three outs and lost two games. He has earned one save and allowed four hits and three earned runs. Last season, the 30-year-old posted a 5.77 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP across 57 2/3 innings. He blew seven saves and took eight losses. Fantasy managers should monitor his production at Triple-A as he attempts to turn the corner. While he is in the minor leagues, Colin Holderman and Dennis Santana will likely see the majority of save opportunities.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar recorded the save in Friday's 4-3 win over the Marlins, although it wasn't a clean one. In a 4-1 game in the ninth, the 30-year-old walked the first batter he faced, then gave up a two-run home run on the very next pitch before eventually getting the next three batters out (one strikeout). It was the righty's second appearance of the season, with the first coming on Thursday when he came on in a tie ballgame only to surrender two hits, a walk (no strikeouts), and a run, taking the loss in the contest. Bednar had been on shaky ground as it was after posting a 5.77 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and seven blown saves that cost him the closer role late last year, so we'll see if another reliever is giventhe next opportunity. The Pirates don't have another great closer option waiting in the wings, however, so Bednar's job may be safe for now.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar is expected to be the primary closing option for the team heading into the regular season. However, Pirates' manager Derek Shelton has made it clear that there isn't an official closer right now. The assumption is that Bednar will get the first crack at saves considering he's a two-time All-Star in that role. However, he struggled last season with a 5.77 ERA across 62 appearances. It hasn't gone any better for him in spring training with a 14.40 ERA across five outings. The right-hander could quickly be removed from high leverage spots if he continues to struggle early in the season. The team will likely use a committee approach if Bednar struggles, so there's no clear fantasy option right now.

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton wouldn't commit to right-handed reliever David Bednar when asked if he is the team's closer in 2025. "I don't think we're ready to say that, but I think we feel very good with the fact that we have a guy who was a two-time All-Star closer," Shelton said. The skipper mentioned that Bednar had an abbreviated spring training last year and struggled early on before figuring things out and being really good. However, he eventually hit another rough patch with his command later in the year. Shelton fully expects the 30-year-old to bounce back in 2025, but it looks like the Pirates want to see him win the role in spring training over other arms like Dennis Santana and Colin Holderman. Bednar had a 5.77 ERA and 1.42 WHIP a year ago and finished in a low-leverage role, so despite the fact he's saved 81 games over the last three years, his leash has tightened considerably.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar is slated to be the team's primary closer to open the 2025 season. Despite having the worst season of his career in 2024, the Pirates still have faith in him, given his previous results. During the 2023 campaign, Bednar posted a strong 2.00 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP across 67 1/3 innings. He tallied 39 saves, which were the most in the National League. However, the 30-year-old posted a much higher 5.77 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP last season. His struggles could have been injury-related as he battled a lat injury during spring training, and then he later sustained an oblique injury. However, given that the team did not resign Aroldis Chapman during the offseason, suggests they are betting on Bednar to bounce back. Given his role as the top closer, he is an intriguing pick later in drafts, as he could tally over 20 saves if he returns to form.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar has been removed from the closer role, according to manager Derek Shelton. The 29-year-old has put together an awful 2024 season after back-to-back All-Star campaigns ahead of this season. This news isn't shocking considering Bednar has a 10.80 ERA with a 2.49 WHIP over his last 12 outings. The Pirates have seen enough after Bednar gave up five earned runs during his most recent outing against the Chicago Cubs. Shelton says the team plans to use a committee approach going forward. Aroldis Chapman figures to be the favorite to get save chances given his experience in that role.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar imploded once again in Wednesday afternoon's loss to the visiting division-rival Chicago Cubs at PNC Park, allowing five runs and taking his sixth blown save of the season in the defeat. Summoned to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning, Bednar gave up two hits and three walks while recording just two outs on 28 pitches before being mercifully pulled from Wednesday's disastrous outing against the Cubs. Besides tallying 23 saves for the Pirates this season, the 29-year-old right-hander has struggled all year long in Pittsburgh, posting a 6.32 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 49 strikeouts, and 18 walks over 47 frames. It wouldn't be surprising to see veteran southpaw Aroldis Chapman get more save chances going forward.