Pirates Rumors: New NL contender enters David Bednar trade deadline sweepstakes

The Pittsburgh Pirates' early-season struggles quickly established them as trade deadline sellers. The Pirates have a fair few players on expiring or short-term contracts who will surely don a different uniform on or before July 31.

David Bednar is likely one of those players. The closer will be a free agent after the 2027 season, and he's been linked to multiple teams in need of late-inning arms. He's among the better closer options who are expected to be made available in the next week or so, with a 2.38 ERA, 14 saves, three holds, 46 strikeouts and nine walks in 34 innings. Bednar's strikeout percentage ranks in the 95th percentile and his walk percentage lands in the 77th.

The Los Angeles Dodgers recently joined the list of teams linked to Bednar. LA stacked its rotation and bullpen so thoroughly over the offseason that it thought it might be able to escape the frenzy of the trade deadline, but a litany of injuries has changed its plans.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today noted that relievers Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott haven't held it down for the Dodgers lately. Yates has a 3.86 ERA and opposing batters are slugging .500 against him. Scott has posted a 4.14 ERA — a stark change from his 1.75 metric last season — with 19 saves, eight holds, 50 strikeouts and 11 walks over 45.2 innings. To make matters even worse for LA, Scott exited early on July 21 after feeling a "pinch" in his elbow.

Dodgers among the latest teams linked to Pirates closer David Bednar ahead of trade deadline

The Dodgers are no strangers to elbow injuries this season after reliever Evan Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery in early May. Elbow pain is never a good sign and is often a harbinger of long-term injuries, like UCL or flexor tendon issues. Scott has been sent for an MRI but the extent of his injury is yet to be determined.

If Scott lands on the IL, he'll join other high-leverage relievers Phillips, Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol. It could make the Dodgers utterly desperate for a closer, and Bednar could be a top option, especially with the additional year of control on his contract that would give the Dodgers an option for next season if Scott's injury is severe.

The Dodgers have an elite farm system and, if the Pirates play their cards right, they could get a top-tier return for Bednar. If LA comes to Pittsburgh's front office with interest in the closer, they should listen.