David Bednar

David Bednar rose from a 35th-round draft pick to become one of baseball's most dominant closers with an unforgettable journey home to Pittsburgh.

David Bednar Early Life College Baseball and Draft Journey

David Jeffrey Bednar was born on October 10, 1994, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Mars, a small suburb north of the city where he developed a deep love for baseball. He attended Mars Area High School before continuing his education and baseball career at Lafayette College, where he refined his skills and caught the attention of professional scouts.

Despite his talent and college performance, David Bednar was not highly touted in the 2016 MLB Draft. The San Diego Padres selected him in the 35th round as the 1,044th overall pick, a position that reflected the uncertainty many teams had about his professional potential but would ultimately prove to be a massive oversight.

After signing with the Padres, Bednar began his professional career in the minor leagues, working his way through the system with determination and steady improvement. His journey through the minors tested his resilience and commitment, but he never lost sight of his goal to reach the major leagues and prove his worth as a pitcher.

David Bednar MLB Debut Trade to Pirates and Breakout Success

David Bednar made his MLB debut on September 1, 2019, with the San Diego Padres at the age of 24, appearing in 13 games during his rookie season. Though he struggled with a 6.55 ERA in those initial appearances, his debut marked the beginning of a career that would eventually see him become one of the most reliable relievers in baseball.

On January 19, 2021, David Bednar was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates as part of a three-team deal that sent Joe Musgrove to the Padres. This trade brought Bednar back to his hometown of Pittsburgh, where he would find the opportunity to establish himself as a key contributor to a rebuilding franchise.

In his first full season with the Pirates in 2021, David Bednar emerged as a dominant force, posting a 2.23 ERA with 77 strikeouts in 61 appearances. His performance that year established him as one of the most promising young relievers in the game and set the stage for even greater success in the seasons to come.

During the 2022 season, Bednar earned his first All-Star selection after recording 15 saves with a 2.63 ERA in 41 innings pitched. His emergence as the Pirates' closer represented the culmination of years of hard work and development, transforming him from an afterthought draft pick into one of the National League's premier relief pitchers.

Establishing Himself as an Elite Closer in Pittsburgh

The 2023 season became a career year for David Bednar, who recorded 39 saves with a 2.00 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 67.1 innings pitched. He earned his second consecutive All-Star selection and finished the season tied for second in the majors in saves, establishing himself as one of the most dominant closers in baseball.

Bednar's 39 saves in 2023 were the fifth-most all-time by a Pirate and the most since Mark Melancon set a team record with 51 saves in 2015. His 92.9 percent save percentage ranked as the second-best in franchise history, cementing his place among the greatest closers to wear the Pirates uniform.

In 2024, Bednar faced challenges as he struggled to a 5.77 ERA in 50 games, leading to his removal from the closer role on August 30. This difficult season tested his mental fortitude, but it also provided an opportunity for growth and reflection that would ultimately help him bounce back stronger in the following year.

Legacy and Impact on Modern Baseball

David Bednar began the 2025 season with a 2.73 ERA and 12 saves in 29.2 innings pitched before being optioned to the minors for a brief period. He returned to the majors in late April and reclaimed Pittsburgh's closer role, posting a remarkable 1.70 ERA with 50 strikeouts across 37 innings before being traded to the New York Yankees at the deadline.

For the Yankees in 2025, Bednar was excellent, recording 10 of the team's final 13 saves for a 77 percent save share over the final two months of the season. His overall 2025 campaign saw him finish with a 2.54 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 35 saves across 67.1 innings, demonstrating his resilience and ability to overcome adversity.

Through his career, David Bednar has accumulated 146 saves with a 3.03 ERA and 464 strikeouts, becoming one of the most successful late-round draft picks in recent MLB history. His journey from the 35th round to elite closer status exemplifies the perseverance and dedication required to succeed at the highest level of professional baseball.

Bednar's story serves as an inspiration to players who face doubts and obstacles on their way to achieving their dreams. His nickname, The Renegade, reflects the unconventional path he took to stardom and the fierce competitiveness that has defined his career on the mound for the Pirates and Yankees.