The Pittsburgh Pirates are in the middle of another disappointing season at PNC Park despite being tied for eighth in the league in quality starts. With that, the Pirates are looking to sell at the deadline, and MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand surprisingly placed closer David Bednar as the best right-handed bullpen option.
With options like Jhoan Duran, Emmanuel Clase, and Ryan Helsley perceived to be on the market this trade season, Bednar, who was sent down to Triple-A this season, is an interesting pick. Bednar has been one of the best arms in the game since he returned in late April with a 1.69 ERA while coverting all 13 of his save opportunities.
The Pirates are going to be active, and with Bednar rebounding from a rough start to the season, his value has increased. It’s possible a team like the New York Mets would be able to swoop in and make a move to address their hampered bullpen.
Bednar is a free agent in 2027, which could increase the value the Pirates can bring back for the right-hander. With the Pirates focusing on the future and Bednar’s early struggles this season, they could be well served in trading him now rather than in the offseason.
Bullpen help is one of the key drivers of the trade deadline this season, and the Pirates will be in the mix to trade on a high value for the league’s most volatile position.
Bednar led the National League in saves in 2023 with 39, and teams could see the resurgence of that production on the trade market.
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