Pirates' hometown hero has suddenly become Pittsburgh's biggest arbitration question

It feels like practically every year that Pittsburgh Pirates reliever David Bednar is the subject of some sort of trade speculation. Usually, it's because he's a two-time All-Star and one of Pittsburgh's only pieces with any sort of meaningful trade value. This year, however, rumors are swirling about Bednar's future in Pittsburgh for very different reasons.

Bednar is coming off the worst season in his career by far, pitching to a 5.77 ERA across 57 2/3 innings over 62 appearances. It was a massive drop-off from his previous three seasons in Pittsburgh, when his ERA was sub-3.00, posting a career-best 2.00 ERA in 2023. He lost his closer role in late August amid the Pirates' free fall to the bottom of the National League Central Division standings.

Bednar went from being a lockdown weapon in 2023 to a late-game liability in 2024. What a difference a year makes.

David Bednar has suddenly become Pirates' biggest arbitration question

Bednar is eligible for arbitration this offseason, and he's due a hefty raise, even after a down year. He earned $4.51 million last year, his first arbitration-eligible season, and Matt Swartz of MLB Trade Rumors projects that he will be owed $6.6 million in 2025. That would be the highest salary of any of Pittsburgh's arbitration-eligible players and the fourth-highest on the Pirates' roster.

The perennially cost-conscious Pirates are likely to balk at paying any player $6.6 million, much less an underperforming one. They could choose to non-tender Bednar, but he showed too much talent in his first three seasons with the club to justify losing him without getting anything in return.

So, it's possible that Pittsbugh will explore the trade market for Bednar this offseason; after all, while $6.6 million may be too rich for the Pirates' blood, it's a very worthwhile gamble for a lot of other teams who have the roster depth and budgetary bandwidth to bet on Bednar returning to form.

The offers for Bednar may not be as enticing as they would have been in years past, but it's something the club will have to consider. Bednar's role as a breakout closer for the Pirates had previously made him a sell-high trade candidate. Now, a sell-low trade could potentially be on the table as a cost-saving measure.

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