The Pittsburgh Pirates have received plenty of calls on closer David Bednar. What would it take to acquire him?
The asking price for closer David Bednar is said to be enormous, and rightly so — he made the NL All-Star team and still has at least three years left of team control on his contract. Bednar is a Yinzer at heart, and Pirates fans would rightly be upset if the Bucs were to willingly send him elsewhere.
Pittsburgh has been rebuilding its roster since 2018. It's about time the Pirates major-league group amounted to something, and despite a 20-8 start to the 2023 regular season, the next great Bucs team is not this one. If 2024 or 2025 are to be the year, it all starts with the additions Pittsburgh's front office makes in moments like these.
MLB Rumors: Could the Pirates trade David Bednar?
Relief pitchers, unlike starters and controllable position talent, are replaceable over time. As much as Bednar means to the area and team right now, his return could have twice the impact. That's why the Pirates are even considering such a trade.
David Bednar trade package: Arizona Diamondbacks
The Pirates would prefer to trade a player the caliber of Bednar outside of their division, as if not they'll have to play against him frequently for the next few years. Bednar hits a few of those demands, as Arizona is at the very least outside of the NL Central. They also need bullpen help, and are threatening to contend against the Padres, Dodgers and Giants for years to come. So, what would they have to give up?
Pittsburgh would throw in Rich Hill to sweeten the pot a little, and Arizona would acquire another starting pitcher for their rotation down the stretch. Bednar, meanwhile, slides in as the team's closer for the next few years, and he's affordable.
Pfaadt is the D'Backs No. 3 prospect, but he's top-30 in all of baseball. He's struggled this season in the majors, posting an ERA over eight in four starts, all of which he lost. Melendez is expected to make his debut in 2025, which coincides more with the Pirates competitive window. Canzone, meanwhile, has broken through to the bigs this season with varying success. He could start for this Pirates team right now at first base.
David Bednar trade package: Chicago Cubs
The Cubs were reported as possible suitors for David Bednar over the weekend. Previously seen as sellers this deadline, Chicago has performed their way onto the other side of the market. In a relatively winnable NL Central, the Cubs are very much in the mix. In fact, should they make the right affordable additions, perhaps they can even make the postseason.
Bednar, for what it's worth, is not affordable. In fact, he'd cost the Cubs quite a bit because they reside in the same division as the Pirates. Chicago could use a true shutdown closer, and Bednar would qualify. However, the Bucs knows better than to trade a pitcher like Bednar to Chicago without charging interest. Here's what the trade might look like.
Again, adding in a player like Hill here only increases the return. He's likely what earns the Pirates a third prospect, or in this case Cassie.
The Bucs are short on elite pitching prospects, which is why I've targeted Horton in this case. At only 21 years old, he has a year or two left in the minors, but he has an elite arm. Wicks is likely closer to the bigs, as he currently pitches in Double-A. He has a sub-4 ERA there and could transition to a relief role relatively easily.
David Bednar trade package: Atlanta Braves
This one is a bit of a longshot, mainly because the Braves have been targeting rather minor bullpen upgrades so far this deadline season. Alex Anthopoulos doesn't want to part ways with what little prospect capital he has left. But, should AA switch mindset with, say, a Dave Dombrowki type, Bednar is readily available to a high bidder.
Trading with Atlanta has its risks, especially for organizations with lesser scouting departments. This isn't a shot at the Pirates, but they weren't the folks who discovered Ozzie Albies, Ronald Acuña, etc. The list goes on.
A trade for Bednar would be expensive. Here's what it might cost:
Smith-Shawver is just 20 years old and has already made his MLB debut with the Braves. He'd instantly jump to the top of the Pirates prospect charts, and likely start in the minors. Pittsburgh tends to be patient with its pitching prospects. Grissom, meanwhile, would get a chance to figure things out at the MLB level, something that's been lacking for him in Atlanta. It's unclear if he projects as a future shortstop, but his bat suggests he should be in the everyday lineup.
Alvarez is a lottery ticket. The Braves signed him at age 17 and he's in A-ball right now. That's the projected value of a pitcher like Rich Hill. Another prospect might be needed for Pittsburgh to part with Bednar, but this is where negotiations start.
