Giants' Will Bednar Eyes 100 MPH, Bullpen Role in 2025 Spring Training

The former first-round pick is looking to overcome a rocky start to his career and cement a spot in the Giants' bullpen.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The San Francisco Giants are cautiously optimistic about the potential of right-handed reliever Will Bednar, a former first-round pick who is attempting to overcome a rocky start to his professional career. Bednar's fastball velocity saw a significant jump last year, reaching 99.7 mph while pitching exclusively out of the bullpen, and he is focused on reaching the 100 mph mark. The 25-year-old received a non-roster invite to big league camp, signaling the Giants' willingness to give him a legitimate opportunity, though he is almost certain to begin the season in Triple-A.

Why it matters

The Giants are prioritizing the development of internal bullpen options, and Bednar is squarely in that mix. After a promising start to his career was derailed by injury, Bednar has found new life as a reliever, and the team is hopeful that he can continue to develop and become a valuable asset to their bullpen.

The details

Bednar's path to this point hasn't been straightforward. Drafted 14th overall in 2021, his early career was derailed by persistent back problems, and he managed just 17 starts in his first two professional seasons. The Giants' decision to transition Bednar to a relief role in 2024 proved pivotal, as he reached Double-A that season and continued to refine his approach in 2025. While his overall ERA in Double-A last year was 6.05, the Giants saw encouraging signs of progress, including an increase in velocity and improved movement on his slider.

  • Bednar received a non-roster invite to big league camp for the 2025 spring training season.
  • In 2024, the Giants transitioned Bednar to a relief role, which proved pivotal in his development.
  • In 2025, Bednar pitched at the Double-A level, where he recorded 84 strikeouts in 52 1/3 innings.

The players

Will Bednar

A 25-year-old right-handed reliever in the San Francisco Giants' organization, who was a former first-round draft pick in 2021.

David Bednar

Will Bednar's older brother, who is a veteran closer with 111 career saves and will be part of Team USA's bullpen in March.

Kyle Haines

The San Francisco Giants' senior director of player development, who has noticed a renewed sense of joy in Bednar this spring.

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What they’re saying

“Some people like to claim it's 100. I do not — 100 is when it's two zeroes. That's the hundred. Obviously, the main plan is to punch tickets and get outs, but I would like to throw 100.”

— Will Bednar (Giants Talk podcast)

“I'd say, to sum it up, I'd say it's been rocky. Obviously, it hasn't gone quite the way I wanted it to go. Obviously, (I got) off to a rough start and then being hurt for two years after that obviously was not my plan.”

— Will Bednar (Giants Talk podcast)

“But I think coming out of that, I'm better because of it. I have a better way of handling adversity and I know how to manage myself a little bit better. It definitely made me better all around.”

— Will Bednar (Giants Talk podcast)

“It's less time to think and more time to just get ready and go in the game.”

— Will Bednar (Giants Talk podcast)

“I see a new joy in him. Even when I called and told him that he's coming to camp. We probably don't see it this way without those struggles.”

— Kyle Haines, Senior director of player development, San Francisco Giants (Giants Talk podcast)

What’s next

The Giants left Bednar unprotected in the Rule 5 Draft, and he was not selected. He is almost certain to begin the 2025 season in Triple-A, where the team hopes he can continue to develop and show consistency in his performances.

The takeaway

Bednar's story is one of resilience and adaptation. After a promising start to his career was derailed by injury, he has found new life as a reliever, and the Giants are hopeful that he can continue to develop and become a valuable asset to their bullpen. His journey serves as an inspiring example of overcoming adversity and seizing new opportunities.