Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Prospects Who Could Play Key Roles In 2021

David Bednar

While right-handed reliever David Bednar will get regular innings out of the bullpen, he could be the regular closer by the end of the season. This Spring Training alone has many excited to watch the Pittsburgh native. Through 8.1 innings, Bednar struck out 18 batters, let one reach first via free pass and gave up three hits.

Bednar, who was part of the Joe Musgrove trade, has also looked fantastic throughout the minor leagues. In 2019.2 innings throughout the minors, the right-hander had put up a 2.70 ERA, 2.14 FIP and 1.17 WHIP. Bednar was a strikeout machine, getting 303 batters down on strike three for a 33% strikeout rate. He also did well at limiting home runs with a HR/9 of 0.41 and ground ball rate above 40% at almost every level, except for his 21 inning stint at Low-A back in 2016.

Plus, he had a healthy 7.7% walk rate to go with his other peripherals. Bednar also has a sub-3 xFIP almost every year. The only times his xFIP exceeded that mark were at High-A in 2017 and 2018. While he’s struggled at the major league level, he only has 17.1 innings between two seasons.

Bednar’s repertoire consists of three pitches. Both his fastball and curveball are considered elite level offerings with a 60 current and future grades. He usually works in the mid-90s and can touch the upper-90s while putting some spin on the ball. His curve will come in with 2500 RPM. His third offering is a splitter, which is currently seen as an average offering with the potential to be another plus pitch.

Right now, Bednar is going to start the season in more of a mid-relief/set-up role with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Richard Rodriguez currently holds the closer role, but is an easy candidate to be moved at the trade deadline and even before it. If and when he’s traded, Bednar should take over the closer role. He has closer stuff and if he can control it, he could be the team’s long term 9th inning man.