Yankees Trade Idea Brings In $5.9 Million, 2-Time All-Star Closer to End Bullpen Woes

Even after losing two of three to their arch-rivals, the Boston Red Sox, over the weekend, the New York Yankees entered Tuesday’s action with the second-best record in MLB, behind only the Detroit Tigers.

But the Yankees have a problem at the back of their bullpen. First, offseason acquisition Devin Williams, at a price of $8.6 million for one year, was such a bust in April and most of May that he lost his closer’s job.

Manager Aaron Boone then gave the assignment to Luke Weaver, a 10-year veteran pitching for his sixth different team. But Weaver also had the closer’s job down the stretch last season, seeming to find his place in the role.

With four saves in September, Weaver played a crucial role in the Yankees’ run to the postseason. Taking over for Williams, he picked up where he left off, saving eight games in nine opportunities.

But in a June 1 game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Weaver pulled a hamstring warming up and was given a trip to the injured list.

What now?

According to MLB.com baseball insider Mark Feinsand, a two-time All-Star closer will likely be available on the trade market. Would the Yankees target him, as insurance against any further collapses by Williams or injury flare-up for Weaver?

More MLB: Red Sox Outfielder Reveals Timeline To (Finally) Return From Injury

That closer is 30-year-old righty David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who saved a National League-leading 39 games in 2023, despite pitching for a team that finished the season 10 games under .500.

“Bednar struggled so much to start the season that the Pirates demoted him to Triple-A on April 1, but the reliever has been formidable since returning to the Majors on April 19,” Feinsand wrote.

“Pittsburgh faces a double-digit deficit in both the NL Central and Wild Card races, and with Bednar earning $5.9 million this season with one more year of arbitration eligibility remaining, the time is right for the Pirates to trade him,” the insider continued.

The Pirates’ closer has recorded eight saves this season, with a solid 3.74 ERA.

Bednar’s remaining full season of team control might make Pittsburgh’s asking price somewhat higher than if he were simply a rental. On the other hand, his age and recent struggles mean he probably won’t be worth a top prospect.

The Yankees’ No. 15 prospect, catcher and first baseman Rafael Flores, could headline a package to obtain Bednar.

“Flores generates plus raw power and some of the best exit velocities among Yankees farmhands,” according to an MLB Pipeline scouting report. “A right-handed hitter, he employs a pull-heavy approach designed to crush balls to left field, and he could tap into even more pop if he could make more consistent contact and lift more balls in the air.”

MLB Pipeline estimates Flores, now playing for the Yankees’ Double-A affiliate, the Somerset Patriots, will be ready for the big leagues next season.

More MLB: Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Could Pitch Sooner Than Expected, Per Latest Update