Bednar Bombshell: Yankees Land All-Star Closer in Deadline Blockbuster

The New York Yankees have leapt to the front of the line in pursuit of Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star closer David Bednar, setting up what could become the marquee move of the 2025 MLB trade deadline. Multiple league insiders report that general manager Brian Cashman is actively negotiating a multi-player package, hoping to fortify a bullpen that has struggled to protect late-inning leads. Why Bednar’s value is skyrocketing Bednar, 30, owns a 2.37 ERA, a 0.99 WHIP, and has converted all 17 save chances this season after rebounding from an injury-marred 2024. His power four-seam fastball regularly touches 98 mph, and his splitter has generated a 42 percent whiff rate, the third-best mark among NL relievers. After logging 39 saves to pace the National League in 2023, the right-hander is again one of baseball’s most reliable closers, making him the most coveted bullpen arm available. Pirates’ asking price remains steep Sources indicate Pittsburgh is demanding at least three high-end assets: one major-league-ready pitcher plus two top-10 prospects. The front office believes it can leverage Bednar’s two remaining years of arbitration control, mirroring the return San Diego received for Josh Hader in 2024. Clubs such as the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers have inquired, but executives describe the Yankees as “most aggressive” right now. How the Yankees could line up a deal New York’s farm system features power-hitting outfielder Spencer Jones and right-handed starter Chase Hampton; either could headline an offer. Including big-league swingman Luis Gil would give Pittsburgh an immediate rotation piece while opening a 40-man roster spot for the Yankees. Cashman is also thought to be dangling reliever Ron Marinaccio as part of a secondary package. Ripple effect on the pennant race Adding Bednar would allow manager Aaron Boone to shorten games to seven innings, pushing Clay Holmes into a versatile fireman role and easing workloads for setup men Jonathan Loáisiga and Luke Weaver. For the Pirates, moving their closer would signal a pivot to 2026 contention, freeing salary and clearing the ninth inning for hard-throwing rookie Carmen Mlodzinski. Key dates to watch • July 31 – official trade deadline • August 2 – Bednar becomes playoff-eligible with his new club if moved • August 15 – last day players can be placed on outright waivers without postseason restrictions Bottom line With the Yankees desperate for late-inning stability and the Pirates positioned to capitalize on an overheated relief market, a David Bednar blockbuster is rapidly gaining momentum. If New York meets Pittsburgh’s price, the deal could redefine both teams’ trajectories and become the defining transaction of the 2025 MLB season.