Scratch another closer’s name of the list of available options as the MLB trade deadline approaches.
The New York Yankees are on the verge of acquiring right-hander David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the deal wasn’t yet official.
The acquisition willl the Yanks much-needed bullpen depth to go with Devin Williams and Luke Weaver for the stretch run.
Bednar, 30, spent the first two seasons as a major leaguer with the San Diego Padres before coming to the Pirates in 2021 in a three-way trade involving the New York Mets. He has developed into a reliable closer – earning a pair of All-Star nods and leading the National League in saves in 2023 with 39.
He has one more year of arbitration eligibility in 2026.
David Bednar trade details
The Yankees acquire reliever David Bednar from the Pirates, pending a medical review.
Yankees catching prospect Rafael Flores, C/1B Edgleen Perez and OF Brian Sanchez go to the Pirates in the deal.
David Bednar stats
This season, Bednar has converted all 17 of his save opportunities with a 2.37 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 38 innings. He also has struck out 12.1 batters per nine innings.
David Bednar contract
David Bednar is earing $5.9 million this season and is under team control through 2026.
This story has been updated to include new information.