Volatile reliever could be Pirates' most valuable trade deadline asset

Unless a miracle happens, the Pirates look like they'll be open for business as major sellers at the trade deadline. Bob Nightengale reported on Sunday that they were willing to listen to offers on everyone except Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz, which could indicate a fire sale at the end of July.

If shedding payroll is the ultimate goal here, Bryan Reynolds, Mitch Keller, and Ke'Bryan Hayes are far and away the Pirates' most expensive pieces, but David Bednar — the highest-earning reliever in the bullpen, making $5.9 million this season — could be a realistic player to shed if the Pirates don't want to deal huge blows to the lineup and rotation.

Contending teams are always in need of relievers by the deadline, whether it's because of injury or just to fortify bullpens through the rest of the season and into October. Bednar hasn't been perfect this season and was demoted in late March, but he has yet to blow a save, hasn't allowed a baserunner in his last three innings, has a 3.06 ERA since his promotion on April 19, and his dominant 2023 (his last All-Star season, when he led the National League in saves at 39) isn't too far in the rearview mirror.

Pirates could field a lot of calls about closer David Bednar at the trade deadline

Right now, the Dodgers, Phillies, Tigers, and Cubs all look like they could be in need of another high-leverage arm at the deadline. Although the Pirates probably wouldn't want to help the division-rival Cubs, if their new closer Daniel Palencia turns back into a pumpkin as the season wears on, they might even be willing to pay a little extra if it means they'll be able to keep their hold at the top of the Central.

The Phillies lost closer José Alvarado to a PED suspension that prohibits him from the postseason, the Dodgers lose pitchers to injury like no other team in baseball, and the Tigers could use another veteran to complement Tommy Kahnle and take some pressure off of Will Vest down the stretch.

Of course, Bednar's actual trade value will become clearer closer to the deadline, but if what we've seen from his last few innings have indicated a mellowing out that's actually sustainable, the Pirates could field a lot of interest and shed nearly $6 million come July.