Yankees Closer Now Leads Majors in Saves

David Bednar's hot start has him atop the MLB saves leaderboard.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:28am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's intense throwing motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy, crimson, and gold colors.Bednar's dominant start has the Yankees' closer leading the majors in saves, a bright spot for the team's hot start.San Diego Today

The New York Yankees came from behind to defeat the Oakland Athletics 5-3 on Tuesday, with closer David Bednar recording his fifth save of the season to take the MLB lead. Bednar, who had high expectations entering the year, is on a torrid pace that has him on track to challenge the single-season saves record.

Why it matters

Bednar's early dominance is a bright spot for the Yankees, who have raced out to an 8-2 start and a 3.5-game lead in the AL East. If he can maintain this level of production, it would provide a major boost to the Yankees' playoff aspirations.

The details

In Tuesday's game, the Yankees rallied from a deficit with a two-homer game from third baseman Amed Rosario. Bednar then came in to close out the 5-3 victory, recording his fifth save of the young season. This puts him ahead of other top closers like the Dodgers' Edwin Diaz and the Padres' Mason Miller, who were expected to compete for the saves title.

  • The Yankees defeated the Athletics on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Bednar now has 5 saves on the season through the Yankees' first 10 games.

The players

David Bednar

The Yankees' closer, who is off to a dominant start in 2026 with a league-leading 5 saves.

Amed Rosario

The Yankees' third baseman, who hit two home runs in Tuesday's come-from-behind victory.

Edwin Diaz

The Dodgers' closer, who was expected to compete for the saves title this season.

Mason Miller

The Padres' closer, who was also expected to be in the running for the saves title.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

If Bednar can maintain his torrid pace, he will have a chance to challenge the single-season saves record. The Yankees will look to continue their hot start and build a comfortable lead in the AL East.

The takeaway

David Bednar's early-season dominance has him atop the MLB saves leaderboard, providing a major boost to the red-hot Yankees. If he can sustain this level of production, it could be a historic season for the closer.