New York Yankees deal for coveted closer David Bednar from Pittsburgh Pirates ahead of MLB trade deadline

The New York Yankees may have finally reinforced their inconsistent bullpen ahead of this evening’s MLB trade deadline.

As ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported, the Bombers are acquiring closer David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates pending a physical. Daily Mail has since confirmed this agreement with a Pirates spokesperson. 

Bednar, 30, has been efficient for the struggling Pirates, posting a 2.37 earned-run average while allowing just 1.11 base runners per inning.

He now joins a bullpen that has disappointed in 2025 following the highly publicized acquisition of former Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams, who has struggled in his first season in the Bronx. 

Aside from Williams, and his 5.01 ERA, other struggling Yankees relievers have included Mark Leiter (4.46 ERA) and Jonathan Loáisiga, who is currently battling an undisclosed injury. 

The return for the Pirates includes a pair of promising prospects: 24-year-old Triple-A catcher Rafael Flores and 19-year-old Single-A catcher Edgleen Perez.

Flores is described by Passan as being ready for the majors, while Perez has posted a solid .368 on-base percentage in 2025, albeit while struggling to make contact (.206 batting average). 

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