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Yankees Urged to Buck Growing Trend at Reliever
David Bednar's strong 2025 season has the Yankees considering a long-term deal for the 31-year-old closer.
Feb. 8, 2026 at 9:31am
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The New York Yankees may need to pay reliever David Bednar a hefty contract if they want to keep him beyond the 2026 season. Bednar had a standout 2025 campaign with a 2.19 ERA in 24.2 innings, and the Yankees could be reluctant to let him walk given his importance to their bullpen. However, the team has historically been hesitant to spend big on relievers, presenting a potential challenge in contract negotiations.
Why it matters
Bednar's performance has made him a key part of the Yankees' bullpen, and keeping him would provide stability and consistency. But the team's aversion to spending on relievers could force them to make a difficult decision on Bednar's future with the club.
The details
Bednar, 31, was acquired by the Yankees in 2025 and immediately made an impact, recording 10 saves and posting strong underlying metrics like a 34.3% strikeout rate. He proved to be a reliable late-inning option for the team, which struggled with bullpen issues at times. The Yankees avoided arbitration with Bednar, signing him to a one-year, $9 million deal for 2026. However, his future beyond that remains uncertain, as the team has historically been hesitant to invest heavily in relievers.
- Bednar was acquired by the Yankees in 2025.
- In 2025, Bednar had a 2.19 ERA in 24.2 innings with the Yankees.
- The Yankees signed Bednar to a one-year, $9 million deal for the 2026 season to avoid arbitration.
The players
David Bednar
A 31-year-old relief pitcher who was acquired by the New York Yankees in 2025 and had a standout season, recording 10 saves with a 2.19 ERA.
Cody Bellinger
A player who recently went through difficult contract negotiations with the Yankees, providing an example of the team's reluctance to spend big on certain players.
Devin Williams
A relief pitcher who struggled in the expected closer role for the Yankees in 2025, leading to Bednar taking over late-game duties.
What they’re saying
“The Yankees haven't made a habit of spending on relievers in recent years, but if Bednar can continue his superlative work, he'd make an argument for them to buck that trend.”
— Jake Devin, Writer at Pinstripe Alley
“Bednar providing steady excellence in the ninth inning while the options around him all crumbled.”
— Jake Devin, Writer at Pinstripe Alley
What’s next
The Yankees will need to decide whether to sign Bednar to a long-term contract or let him test free agency after the 2026 season.
The takeaway
The Yankees face a difficult decision on Bednar's future, as his strong 2025 performance has made him a key part of their bullpen, but the team's historical reluctance to spend big on relievers could complicate contract negotiations.
