Perrotto: No Drama for This Important Pirates Player (+)
David Bednar makes no secret of his desire to spend the rest of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Even though the Pirates haven’t been to the World Series or won a playoff series since 1979, the relief pitcher has his reasons for wanting to stay in the organization.
First and foremost, Bednar is a Pittsburgh guy. He grew up and still lives in the North Hills. He is a graduate of Mars High School.
Bednar has also had plenty of success in his two seasons with the Pirates since being acquired from the San Diego Padres in a trade. He was the Pirates’ lone representative in last season’s All-Star Game at Dodgers in Los Angeles.
Bednar would love for the Pirates to approach him about a long-term contract extension. They haven’t so far and perhaps they never will. The organization just doesn’t hand out many long-term contracts, especially with pitchers.
Don’t expect Bednar to make a fuss about it, though. He isn’t going to ask to be traded like Pirates center fielder Bryan Reynolds did two weeks ago when talks on an extension reached an impasse.
“I love Pittsburgh. I love this place more than anything,” Bednar said. “That’s also the business part of it. I’m not worried about that. I’m just worried about going out and getting outs for the whole season next year.”
David Bednar is a sharp guy who went to college at Lafayette.
The 28-year-old certainly understands he would have no leverage in any contract talks presently since he won’t be eligible for salary arbitration until after next season. He can’t become a free agent until 2026.
There are indications the Pittsburgh Pirates are unlikely to grant Reynolds’ trade request unless they get bowled over by an offer. Yet if Reynolds winds up reporting to spring training in Bradenton in mid-February, Bednar is sure the situation won’t be an issue.
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“Honestly, there’s not even a little bit of a worry about it,” Bednar said. “He’s going to come in and play. Bryan is a great player, a great teammate. As far as it being a distraction, I’m not worried about that even a little bit.
“He comes to the yard and plays hard every single day. It’s an invaluable trait to have. He’s a switch-hitting All-Star. They don’t just hand those out. He’s a great player.”
Bednar is pretty good, too. In two seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he has 22 saves, a 2.98 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, and 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings.
In his first full season as a closer in 2022, Bednar converted 19 of 23 save opportunities to go with a 2.61 ERA in 45 games.
However, Bednar was sidelined from July 30-Sept. 21 with a lower back strain. He made five appearances upon his return and allowed one run in five innings to end the season.
Bednar said he has adjusted his offseason workout regimen with the idea of avoiding the injured list in 2023.
“The best ability is availability, so I’m just trying to be out there, being smart about this offseason and trying to create that longevity,” Bednar said. “I was happy with the way I was able to finish the season but I’m definitely in a better spot right now. I’m looking forward to coming to spring training and being ready to roll.”
Without any drama.
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