David Bednar DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

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.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar has been removed from the closer role, according to manager Derek Shelton. The 29-year-old has put together an awful 2024 season after back-to-back All-Star campaigns ahead of this season. This news isn't shocking considering Bednar has a 10.80 ERA with a 2.49 WHIP over his last 12 outings. The Pirates have seen enough after Bednar gave up five earned runs during his most recent outing against the Chicago Cubs. Shelton says the team plans to use a committee approach going forward. Aroldis Chapman figures to be the favorite to get save chances given his experience in that role.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar imploded once again in Wednesday afternoon's loss to the visiting division-rival Chicago Cubs at PNC Park, allowing five runs and taking his sixth blown save of the season in the defeat. Summoned to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning, Bednar gave up two hits and three walks while recording just two outs on 28 pitches before being mercifully pulled from Wednesday's disastrous outing against the Cubs. Besides tallying 23 saves for the Pirates this season, the 29-year-old right-hander has struggled all year long in Pittsburgh, posting a 6.32 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 49 strikeouts, and 18 walks over 47 frames. It wouldn't be surprising to see veteran southpaw Aroldis Chapman get more save chances going forward.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar earned the save in Friday evening's series-opening win over the visiting Seattle Mariners at PNC Park. Bednar gave up one run on two hits but struck out three batters on Friday against Seattle, freezing Mariners infielder Justin Turner to earn his 21st save of the year and secure the Pirates' 5-3 win in the ninth inning. The 29-year-old veteran right-hander has registered a shaky 5.83 ERA and 1.37 WHIP with 44 punchouts and 15 walks while converting 21 of his 26 save opportunities across 41 1/3 frames (44 appearances) as Pittsburgh's stopper this year.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar took another blown save and a loss on Thursday, allowing three runs to the San Diego Padres in what eventually was a 7-6 loss. Bednar just didn't have it tonight, as he allowed two hits and two walks while only recording two outs. Bednar had gotten back to form after a rough April, but he seems to have lost it again lately, allowing 6 runs in his last four appearances while blowing back-to-back save opportunities. With Aroldis Chapman rounding into form and the Pirates quickly falling out of playoff contention, the team could make a change to try and salvage their hopes. Chapman is worth a speculative add in deeper formats where saves are hard to come by.