David Bednar DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar is expected to be the primary closing option for the team heading into the regular season. However, Pirates' manager Derek Shelton has made it clear that there isn't an official closer right now. The assumption is that Bednar will get the first crack at saves considering he's a two-time All-Star in that role. However, he struggled last season with a 5.77 ERA across 62 appearances. It hasn't gone any better for him in spring training with a 14.40 ERA across five outings. The right-hander could quickly be removed from high leverage spots if he continues to struggle early in the season. The team will likely use a committee approach if Bednar struggles, so there's no clear fantasy option right now.

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton wouldn't commit to right-handed reliever David Bednar when asked if he is the team's closer in 2025. "I don't think we're ready to say that, but I think we feel very good with the fact that we have a guy who was a two-time All-Star closer," Shelton said. The skipper mentioned that Bednar had an abbreviated spring training last year and struggled early on before figuring things out and being really good. However, he eventually hit another rough patch with his command later in the year. Shelton fully expects the 30-year-old to bounce back in 2025, but it looks like the Pirates want to see him win the role in spring training over other arms like Dennis Santana and Colin Holderman. Bednar had a 5.77 ERA and 1.42 WHIP a year ago and finished in a low-leverage role, so despite the fact he's saved 81 games over the last three years, his leash has tightened considerably.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar is slated to be the team's primary closer to open the 2025 season. Despite having the worst season of his career in 2024, the Pirates still have faith in him, given his previous results. During the 2023 campaign, Bednar posted a strong 2.00 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP across 67 1/3 innings. He tallied 39 saves, which were the most in the National League. However, the 30-year-old posted a much higher 5.77 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP last season. His struggles could have been injury-related as he battled a lat injury during spring training, and then he later sustained an oblique injury. However, given that the team did not resign Aroldis Chapman during the offseason, suggests they are betting on Bednar to bounce back. Given his role as the top closer, he is an intriguing pick later in drafts, as he could tally over 20 saves if he returns to form.