Perrotto: Pirates Still Believe in David Bednar

The Pittsburgh Pirates aren’t turning their back on David Bednar following one bad season.

The Pirates committed to the relief pitcher when they tendered him a contract in November. Rather than release Bednar to save money, the Pirates were willing to potentially go to a salary arbitration hearing with the Mars High School graduate.

Bednar is projected to make between $6 million and $7 million in arbitration. It’s significant money for the Pirates, who annually have one of the lowest payrolls in baseball.

Bednar struggled this past season. He had a 3-8 record, seven blown saves in 30 save opportunities and a 5.77 ERA in 62 games.

That was quite a downturn for a pitcher selected to the All-Star Game in 2022 and 2023.

However, the Pirates have faith that the 30-year-old Bednar will bounce back. However, neither general manager Ben Cherington nor manager Derek Shelton has committed to the 30-year-old being the closer at the beginning of the next season.

“He’s had a good start of his offseason,” Cherington said. “Feels good. He’s working on some stuff. He has performed extremely well in that role in the past, so we know he can do it. It’s also December, and I don’t think we need to make decisions on exactly in what role right now. We’ve got a ways to do that. But we’re very confident in David and know how hard he’s working this offseason.”

Pirates pitching coach Oscar Marin and new assistant pitching coach Brent Strom met with Bednar earlier this month in Pittsburgh. Shelton is optimistic that Bednar can regain the form of his first three seasons with the Pirates from 2022-24 when he had a 2.25 ERA over 172 games.

“I think the fact that he has the ability to close is really important for us,” Shelton said. “Let’s remember, this guy was a two-time All-Star closer. He had a tough year last year. If I’m going to bet on anybody bouncing back, I’m betting on David Bednar bouncing back.”

Shelton believes staying healthy during spring training will make a difference for Bednar. He pitched just twice in Grapefruit League games this year because of a strained lat muscle.

“He started the year, it was abrupted,” Shelton said. “Shorter spring training. Kind of was behind the 8-ball a little bit. Had some really good stretches where he threw the ball well. Just wasn’t consistent.”

Yet Shelton also wouldn’t commit to Bednar as the closer in 2025.

“I’m betting on David Bednar bouncing back and having a good year,” Shelton said. “To pencil in anybody right now (as closer), I’m not doing that because I want to make sure we get to spring training, but I’m really happy that he’s with us.”

The Pirates were able to use Aroldis Chapman as the closer when Bednar struggled last season, and the veteran left-hander had 14 saves. However, Chapman signed with the Boston Red Sox as a free agent earlier this month.

With that safety net gone, the Pirates need the 2022-23 version of Bednar in 2025.