Pirates finally part with most valuable bullpen asset in trade with Yankees

Farewell, Renegade.
Pittsburgh Pirates v Minnesota Twins
Pittsburgh Pirates v Minnesota Twins | David Berding/GettyImages

The New York Yankees have reportedly won the David Bednar sweepstakes, acquiring the two-time All-Star closer from the Pittsburgh Pirates with just hours to go before Thursday's 6 p.m. ET trade deadline.

FanSided's Robert Murray was the first to report that top catching prospect Rafael Flores was among the players going back to the Pirates in the deal, and MLB Network's Jon Morosi later confirmed that 19-year-old catching prospect Edgleen Perez and outfielder Brian Sanchez (both in Single-A) would round out the return package.

The trade happened following reports earlier in the day that the two teams were in talks on the 30-year-old reliever, who was one of the most coveted bullpen arms on the trade market this year. The hard-throwing righty is making $5.9 million this season and is under club control for one more year. He’s owed about $1.87 million for the remainder of this season.

A former All-Star in 2022 and 2023, Bednar struggled through a brutal 2024 season that carried over into a rough start to 2025. The Pirates optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis in late March, and Bednar has looked like his old self since returning. In 37 innings, he’s posted a sparkling 1.70 ERA with a 34.5% strikeout rate and 5.5% walk rate.

Pirates finally part with most valuable bullpen asset, trade David Bednar to Yankees

The Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers have all reportedly shown interest in Bednar leading up to the trade deadline as well, but the Yankees got the deal done.

Flores, the Yankees' No. 8 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, is the centerpiece of the return package. He plays at catcher and first base but was unlikely to break through as an everyday starter for the Yankees. He has a clearer path to do so in Pittsburgh.

A 24-year-old, right-handed bat, Flores was recently promoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and is slashing .279/.351/./475 with 16 home runs, a 9.8% walk rate and a 25.5% strikeout rate in 97 games (primarily at Double-A). He has seen most of his action in pro ball at catcher and is widely regarded as Major-League-ready.

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