David Bednar – Pittsburgh Pirates Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

David Bednar has quickly become one of Major League Baseball’s top relief pitchers for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s a two-time All-Star and now makes $5,900,000 for the 2025 season—a big jump from his previous contract of $4.51 million. Right now, Bednar’s net worth sits at about $2.18 million, but that number keeps climbing thanks to his MLB paychecks and maybe some endorsement deals down the line.

He’s worked his way up since his MLB debut, moving from a rookie salary to his current multi-million dollar contract. The Pirates clearly see his value rising, especially with his clutch saves and dominant outings.

Bednar’s financial climb doesn’t seem to be slowing. He’s in his second year of arbitration eligibility, and free agency could be on the horizon. The fact that he’s a Pittsburgh native and a standout on the field puts him in a great spot for even bigger contracts as his career goes on.

Early Life and Amateur Career

David Bednar’s path to the majors started in Pittsburgh’s suburbs. He found his love for baseball early on, with a family that backed him up and made sure he kept his head on straight, both in school and on the field.

Background and Hometown

David Jeffrey Bednar was born on October 10, 1994, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Mars, Pennsylvania, a small suburb north of the city.

Western Pennsylvania has always been crazy about baseball. Bednar soaked up that culture as a kid, and his family played a huge part in his growth—cheering him on and reminding him that school matters too.

Since he lived so close to Pittsburgh, Bednar became a Pirates fan early. It’s kind of wild that he ended up pitching for the team he rooted for as a kid.

Education and Early Baseball Experience

Bednar went to Mars Area High School. He started standing out as a pitcher there, grabbing the attention of local scouts.

He didn’t just focus on sports—he kept his grades up too. Even in high school, he showed off the pitching skills and control that would eventually become his trademarks. His coaches saw something special in him and helped shape his abilities.

After high school, Bednar chose Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. He kept working on his pitching and his education there. At Lafayette, his fastball got faster, and he added some nasty off-speed stuff.

Draft and Entry Into Professional Baseball

The San Diego Padres picked Bednar in the 35th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Even though he went late, Bednar came in determined to prove himself with the Padres organization.

He signed and started his pro career in the minor leagues. Right away, he showed off his powerful fastball and started working on his other pitches. Bednar’s numbers in the lower minors made people wonder if he’d been underdrafted.

He moved up through the Padres’ farm system, tweaking his pitch selection and delivery. The competition got tougher, but Bednar just kept grinding. He credits those years with making him mentally tougher—a trait you absolutely need as a reliever.

Professional Career Overview

David Bednar’s pro career is a pretty cool story. He went from a late-round draft pick to one of the most dominant relievers in the big leagues. He paid his dues in the minors, broke into the majors, and then got traded to his hometown team.

Minor League Development

The San Diego Padres picked Bednar in the 35th round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Lafayette College. Even though he wasn’t a high pick, he quickly impressed as a relief pitcher in their system.

He climbed the minor league ladder, flashing a high-velocity fastball and a developing splitter. Bednar moved from rookie ball to Double-A in just three seasons.

By 2019, his strikeout numbers and mental toughness in high-leverage relief situations made the Padres take notice. He had a knack for making hitters swing and miss—something every bullpen needs.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Bednar made his MLB debut with the Padres in 2019. His first taste of big-league action had its ups and downs, like most rookies facing major hitters for the first time.

In the weird, pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Bednar kept working on his arsenal and got more experience against top competition. His stats weren’t eye-popping, but scouts liked his stuff and his competitive fire.

He spent those early years learning how to use his velocity and splitter against the best hitters in the world. Once he started locating better, his stuff played really well in late innings.

Team Transitions and Trades

Bednar’s career really took off in January 2021. The Padres traded him to the Pittsburgh Pirates as part of the Joe Musgrove deal, which brought him back home.

Returning to Pittsburgh changed everything for Bednar. He quickly found his groove in the Pirates’ bullpen and worked his way into the closer’s job. His numbers jumped after the trade.

By 2022, Bednar was easily one of the Pirates’ best players. He got his first All-Star nod and became one of the National League’s most reliable closers. His contract has grown along with his performance, and now he’s making $5,900,000 for a one-year deal.

Achievements and Performance Highlights

Since joining the Pirates, David Bednar has become their go-to guy in the bullpen. Each year, he seems to get better, and his stats back that up.

Statistical Record and ERA

Bednar’s numbers show how far he’s come as a closer. Back in his Padres days, he had a rough 0-2 record with a 6.55 ERA over 11 innings in 2019. But after the trade to Pittsburgh, everything changed.

In 2022, he finished with a 2.61 ERA and 19 saves, locking down the closer role. He regularly strikes out more than 10 batters per nine innings, so he can overpower hitters when it matters.

What really sets Bednar apart is his pitch mix. He throws a fastball that hits 97 mph and a splitter that’s just nasty. That combination keeps home runs down and his WHIP low.

All-Star Appearances and Awards

Bednar’s breakout earned him his first MLB All-Star selection in 2022. Representing the Pirates at the Midsummer Classic was a big moment.

The Pittsburgh native also picked up team honors. The local chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America named him the Pirates’ Most Valuable Player.

He even got to play for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, which is a pretty big deal. Sharing the field with MLB stars from all over the league had to be a dream come true.

Let’s be honest, going from a 35th-round pick (1044th overall in 2016) to an All-Star is pretty rare. His story is all about hard work and not giving up.

2023 Season Review

In 2023, Bednar took his game to another level. He racked up 39 saves—a personal best—and ranked among the league leaders.

On Opening Day, he struck out the side to seal a Pirates win. That set the tone for the year, and he converted saves at an 88% clip.

From May through July, Bednar had a streak of 12 straight saves and gave up just two earned runs. He became the anchor of the Pirates’ bullpen, handling pressure like a pro.

Even though the Pirates struggled as a team, Bednar’s consistency got him noticed for the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award.

Contract Details and Salary Progression

Bednar’s financial story in the majors is all about steady growth. He’s gone from rookie salaries to being one of the highest-paid players in the Pirates’ bullpen.

Initial Contracts and Arbitration

Bednar started out making the typical pre-arbitration money. After the Padres drafted him and then traded him to Pittsburgh, his pay stayed pretty modest for a few years.

In 2023, things changed. He became arbitration-eligible and saw his salary jump from the league minimum. That bump reflected his new status as a reliable closer.

The arbitration process worked in his favor. His numbers—saves, ERA, strikeouts—made a strong case for bigger paychecks each season.

Recent Contract Extensions

For 2025, Bednar signed a one-year, $5.9 million contract with the Pirates. That’s a big leap from where he started, and it shows the team values him.

They avoided an arbitration hearing, which usually means both sides are happy. Pirates GM Ben Cherington seems willing to reward Bednar while keeping the team’s options open.

This deal guarantees $5.9 million for the year, with no option years. Bednar stays under team control, but there’s room for new deals if he keeps performing.

Qualifying Offers and Free Agency

Bednar hasn’t hit free agency yet; he’s still under team control through arbitration. If you’re looking ahead, he could become a free agent after the 2026 season.

The Pirates have some big choices to make—should they extend him long-term or maybe trade him for prospects if they’re not contending?

If Bednar keeps pitching like an elite closer, he’ll probably get a qualifying offer when he hits free agency. That would give the Pirates a draft pick if he signs elsewhere. His net worth is about $2.18 million, but that’s bound to go up with future contracts.

Net Worth and Off-field Activities

David Bednar has built up a solid amount of wealth through baseball, and he’s stayed active in the community while making a name for himself in the MLB.

Salary, Endorsements, and Investments

The Pittsburgh Pirates closer has watched his finances grow quite a bit lately. For the 2025 season, Bednar will earn $5,900,000 with the Pirates—a big jump up from his previous $745,000 salary.

His total net worth hovers around $2.18 million, and that number keeps climbing as his MLB career takes off.

Bednar hasn’t chased endorsement deals as aggressively as some stars do. Still, being a two-time All-Star has brought him some attention from baseball equipment brands and a handful of Pittsburgh-area businesses.

He seems to take a careful approach to investing, focusing on steady, long-term growth. While teammates like Bryan Reynolds have splurged on headline-making purchases, Bednar sticks with a more understated financial style—even as his paychecks get bigger.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Bednar grew up in Pennsylvania, and those local roots shape how he spends his time off the field. Born right in Pittsburgh, he naturally connects with the community and has become a leader in the Pirates clubhouse.

He puts most of his charitable energy into youth baseball across western Pennsylvania. You’ll often find him running pitching clinics for kids who might not otherwise have the chance, and he set up a scholarship for high school players aiming for college.

When the season winds down, Bednar joins the Pirates’ community caravan, stopping by schools and hospitals around the area. People seem to respond to his easygoing style—maybe that’s part of what makes him such a good fit as a hometown hero.

Family means a lot to Bednar. His parents show up at PNC Park for home games whenever they can. He doesn’t post much on social media, choosing to keep his private life mostly to himself, which honestly feels pretty refreshing these days.

Influence in Major League Baseball

Bednar started out as a mid-round draft pick, but he’s worked his way up to become one of the elite closers. People all around baseball circles respect him, and honestly, it’s hard not to find his story inspiring if you’re a relief pitcher grinding through the minors.

Inside the Pirates organization, Bednar has stepped up as a leader—even though the team’s been struggling lately. Pittsburgh’s still rebuilding, and with guys like Bednar and Bryan Reynolds at the core, his role goes way beyond just putting up good numbers.

He attacks hitters with a high-90s fastball and a nasty splitter. That style has rubbed off on some of the younger relievers. A few of the Pirates’ up-and-coming pitchers have even said Bednar’s advice helped them sharpen their own stuff.

The trade interest from teams like the Chicago Cubs shows just how much value he’s got around the league. Pittsburgh hasn’t budged on trading him, but his name keeps popping up among contenders who want to beef up their bullpens.