Pirates reportedly have high asking price for David Bednar

If teams want to acquire Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, they will reportedly need to pay a steep price.

According to Noah Hines of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington is looking to sell high on Bednar. His asking price includes, at minimum, a top-five prospect. Hines mentioned that the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees have all been in contact with the Bucs regarding their closer.

The fact that the Pirates have such a significant cost for Bednar is remarkable considering where he was just three months ago. The 30-year-old had a miserable 2024 season, posting a 5.77 ERA and a 1.422 WHIP over 57.2 innings, striking out 58 batters with 28 walks. He managed to record 23 saves in 30 opportunities, but was removed from the closer role over the final few weeks of the season.

Bednar's struggles continued with a horrific start to the 2025 campaign. He appeared in three games, failing to record an out in two of those outings, and allowed four runs, three earned, on four hits and two walks. The Pirates optioned Bednar to Triple-A on April 1, hoping this would help their closer reset.

Since being recalled to the big league club on April 19, Bednar has returned to his two-time All-Star level of performance. The Pittsburgh native has posted a stellar 1.70 ERA and a 0.946 WHIP in 37 innings, recording 16 saves while striking out 50 batters with just eight walks.