Yankees Nearing Trade for Pirates Closer David Bednar

The New York Yankees made it clear they’re chasing that elusive World Series title, shaking up their bullpen before the 2025 trade deadline. They brought in three new arms—David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird—without losing any of their top-tier prospects.

Let’s look at what each trade means, how these guys might help the Yankees’ bullpen, and what this could mean for their October run.

Yankees Bolster Bullpen with Three Key Acquisitions

The Yankees started the 2025 season with a strong roster, but the bullpen needed help. General Manager Brian Cashman went out and got three relievers in separate deals, each one offering something different for the mix.

Every new addition brings a unique skill set and a different track record. It’s a bold approach that could really pay off down the stretch.

David Bednar: A Proven Closer Joins the Fold

The biggest move had to be landing David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bednar comes in with a 2.37 ERA and 17 saves in 42 appearances—a huge bounce-back after a rough 2024.

The Pirates got a solid package for him: catching prospect Edgleen Pérez (No. 10 in the Yankees’ system), plus Rafael Flores and Brian Sanchez. Bednar doesn’t just bring a live arm; he’s closed games before and knows how to handle pressure.

Manager Aaron Boone says Devin Williams will keep closing for now, so Bednar slides into a setup role. That kind of flexibility is never a bad thing.

Camilo Doval: Bringing All-Star Pedigree to New York

The Yankees didn’t stop with Bednar. They also snagged Camilo Doval from the Giants—a 2023 All-Star who’s put up a 3.09 ERA and 15 saves this year.

San Francisco got four minor leaguers in return, including catcher Jesus Rodriguez and righty Trystan Vrieling. Doval gives the Yankees another power arm for late innings.

He fits right in with Williams, Bednar, and the rest of the bullpen crew. If the Yankees go deep in the playoffs, Doval’s presence could make a real difference.

Jake Bird: A Solid Depth Piece

Jake Bird joined the Yankees from the Rockies. His 4.73 ERA in 2025 doesn’t jump off the page, but he’s striking out hitters at a career-best rate.

The Rockies picked up two minor leaguers for him. Bird probably won’t see the highest-leverage moments, but he can eat innings and bridge the gap when needed.

While Bednar and Doval grab the headlines, Bird’s arrival shows the Yankees are thinking about depth and flexibility. Every contender needs a guy who can handle those tricky middle innings, and Bird just might be that guy.

Smart Moves Without Sacrificing Top Prospects

Maybe the most impressive thing here? The Yankees pulled this off without giving up any of their top nine prospects. Only Edgleen Pérez, ranked No. 10, moved in these trades.

All three relievers are under team control past this season. That matters, with guys like Devin Williams and Luke Weaver heading toward free agency soon. Cashman’s balancing act between now and the future is, honestly, pretty impressive.

World Series Aspirations in Sight

The Yankees’ bullpen looks deeper than it’s been in years. Manager Aaron Boone suddenly has a ton of options for those nail-biting, high-leverage moments.

He can mix and match based on matchups, which is a luxury not every team has. Depth often tips the scales in October, and right now, the Yankees have it in spades.

• David Bednar: Proven closer, 2.37 ERA, high-pressure experience.
• Camilo Doval: All-Star pedigree, 3.09 ERA, power armed reliever.
• Jake Bird: Depth piece with strikeout upside.

The 2025 trade deadline really showed how serious the Yankees are about chasing another championship. With three new arms in the bullpen, fans in the Bronx have plenty to dream about for October.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Sources: Yanks finalizing deal for Pirates’ Bednar