David Bednar Shocks MLB: Inside the Rise of the Yankees’ New ‘Renegade’ Closer

NEW YORK — With Yankee Stadium’s October chill ripping through the Bronx, David Bednar needed just 13 pitches on Thursday night to lock down a 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox, recording the first postseason save of his career and knotting the American League Division Series at one game apiece. The calm finish was exactly why New York surrendered three prospects on July 31 to pry the two-time All-Star from the Pittsburgh Pirates, absorbing his $5.9 million 2025 salary in the process. Since arriving in pinstripes, the 30-year-old right-hander has posted a 1.74 ERA over 24 regular-season innings, converting 12 of 13 save chances while allowing opponents to hit only .174. Key moments • Bottom 8th: Anthony Rizzo’s two-run double put New York ahead 4-3. • Top 9th: Bednar replaced setup man Clay Holmes, pumping a 97 mph four-seamer past Masataka Yoshida for strike one, then finishing the left-fielder with a knee-buckling curve. Two groundouts later, “Renegade” blared across the loudspeakers—Bednar’s familiar entrance song from his Mars, Pennsylvania, high-school days. A fast rise and a fresh role Bednar broke into the majors as a 35th-round pick of the Padres in 2019, but he blossomed after a 2021 deal to his hometown Pirates, compiling 58 saves and a 2.25 ERA across four seasons. The Yankees, seeking bullpen stability after Clay Holmes’ midsummer struggles, installed Bednar as closer on Day 1. Teammates praise his quiet intensity; “He doesn’t talk much, he just goes out and wins the ninth,” starter Gerrit Cole said earlier this week. What’s next Game 3 shifts to Fenway Park on Saturday night, where Bednar owns a 0.79 career ERA in 11 appearances. Manager Aaron Boone hinted he could ask his new stopper for more than three outs if needed. “That’s why we got him,” Boone said. “October belongs to guys who can finish.” SEO keywords: David Bednar, New York Yankees closer, first postseason save, ALDS Game 2, trade from Pittsburgh Pirates, Yankees vs Red Sox, MLB playoffs 2025.