BREAKING: Pirates Trade Closer David Bednar to Yankees
The Pittsburgh Pirates have swung their first big deal on deadline day, trading closing pitcher David Bednar to the New York Yankees, a source confirmed to Pittsburgh Baseball Now. In return, the Pirates are acquiring a trio of prospects — catcher/first baseman Rafael Flores, catcher/first baseman Edgleen Perez and outfielder Brian Sanchez.
The deal is pending medical reviews.
Bednar, a Pittsburgh-native, has spent the last five seasons with the Pirates after he was acquired from the San Diego Padres in the 2020-21 offseason.
An All-Star in both 2022-23, Bednar posted a 3.01 ERA and totaled 101 saves during his career in Pittsburgh, making him one of just five pitchers in team history to eclipse the century mark since saves became an official stat in 1969.
Bednar was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis after a slow start to the season following a disappointing 2024 campaign. Since he was recalled in April, Bednar has returned to his All-Star form. In 42 appearances with the Pirates this season, the 30-year-old posted a 2.37 ERA and went a perfect 17 for 17 in save opportunities. In 24 games dating back to May 24, Bednar allowed just one earned run in 23.1 innings (0.39 ERA).
Bednar will be arbitration-eligible for the final time this winter and will become a free agent following the 2026 season.
Flores was ranked as the Yankees’ eighth-best prospect by MLB Pipeline. The 24-year-old spent the bulk of the season with Double-A Somerset where he hit .287/.346/.496 with 23 doubles, 15 home runs and 56 RBI in 87 games. He was recently promoted to Triple-A and carries a .211/.388/.289 batting average through 10 games.
Perez (No. 14 on Yankees’ top 30) has had a difficult first season with Class-A Tampa. In 83 games, the 19-year-old has hit .209 with a .368 on-base percentage and a .604 OPS. He’s only recorded eight extra-base hits, all of which have been doubles. Last season in the Florida Complex League, Perez hit .283 with an .824 OPS in 52 games.
Sanchez was a teammate of Perez’s in Class-A Tampa this season. In 63 games, the 21-year-old slashed .281/.373/.438 with 16 doubles, five triples, four home runs, 36 RBI and 24 stolen bases. Sanchez, who is currently on the 7-day injured list is not included in Pipeline’s top 30 Yankees’ prospects but ranks 24th by Baseball America.
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