Yankees learning the harsh David Bednar reality Pirates fans already knew

New York Yankees fans are getting the full David Bednar experience now, and Pittsburgh Pirates fans can only nod knowingly from afar.

Because here's the thing about Bednar: the final line can look fine, and the save can still be converted — and yet, everyone involved may need a few minutes to recover afterward.

After blowing Sunday’s Subway Series finale against the New York Mets, Bednar nearly gave Yankees fans another nightmare Monday against the Toronto Blue Jays. He ultimately locked down the save in a 7-6 win, but not before turning the ninth inning into the kind of high-wire act that feels a little too familiar in Pittsburgh.

“I have faith in myself,” Bednar said afterward, which is probably exactly what a closer has to say in that spot. The problem is that the crowd did not seem to share that same level of calm.

Former Pirates closer David Bednar is taking Yankees fans on emotional rollercoaster

Pirates fans have seen this movie before. Bednar has always had the stuff, the demeanor, and the late-inning edge to pitch in huge spots. He can miss bats, stare down trouble, and make the ninth inning feel like theater. But he also has a habit of inviting chaos before escaping it.

That is what makes the closer label complicated. Bednar is absolutely a high-leverage reliever. There is no question about that. He has pitched in pressure for years, handled ninth innings, made All-Star teams, and built a reputation as one of the better bullpen arms in baseball when he is right.

But being a closer is not just about surviving the ninth. It is about limiting the panic. It is about clean innings, predictable command and not turning every one-run lead into a group therapy session.

Pirates fans know how thin that line can be with Bednar. When he is locked in, the traffic feels almost charming. He bends, does not break, pumps his fist and walks off the mound like the whole thing was under control the entire time. When he is not, it gets ugly fast.

Remember: just last year, the Pirates saw the bottom fall out badly enough that they sent Bednar to Triple-A to reset. That's not ancient history; it's part of the Bednar experience, too.

So if Yankees fans are wondering whether this is just a rough patch or simply who Bednar is, the answer might be both. He is talented enough to pitch the biggest innings. He is also volatile enough to make those innings feel unbearable.

Welcome to the ride, New York. Pirates fans already know there is no seatbelt.

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