The New York Yankees have been seeking someone to occupy the closer role long-term. The club’s current fill-in has been doing a decent job. If David Bednar can impress Yankees management this October, he could see himself in the Bronx a bit longer.
The closer role in baseball is one that you either develop or buy; drafting a closer is tough. The Yankees have been through their fair share of late-game stoppers.
From the best closer of all-time, Mariano Rivera, to a few projects, the club needs an option to shut the door here and there. Bednar could be that guy, which is why he was brought to New York at the trade deadline.
If the Yankees go deep into this postseason, it’ll allow Bednar to truly showcase his reliability.
David Bednar in the Postseason for the Yankees
Bednar pitched in Game One of the American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night. His line wasn’t all that great, despite a promising start.
Bednar pitched 2/3 innings, allowing one earned run on two hits, one strikeout, and a 15-10 pitching to strike ratio. He struck out his first batter, then got a ground-out, but eventually allowed a single, and then Alex Bregman doubled to drive in a run. This was the end of the outing for Bednar.
His pitches were placed well overall. However, the few missed spots he had allowed the Red Sox to barrel up the baseball, putting it in play. Hitters were aware of his repertoire.
The right-hander was one of two relievers, along with Luke Weaver, who cumulatively allowed three runs for the Red Sox to take the Game One victory.
Bednar Needs to Be Hot in His Role this Postseason
Three Yankees on the current staff have occupied the closer role at some point: Luke Weaver, Devin Williams, and now Bednar.
Williams was originally signed to be the closer. His experience and accomplishments were impressive, which led to the Yankees investing in him. His struggles have taken him out of the role and summoned Bednar in his place.
As a Yankee, Bednar finished the 2025 regular season with 17 games finished and 10 saves in 24 2/3 innings. Within two teams (the Yankees and the Pittsburgh Pirates), he finished 51 games, saving 27 games in 62 and 2/3 innings. Bednar finished with a 2.30 ERA.
As the Yankees continue to move through the 2025 postseason, Bednar needs to continue to be dominant and earn the role. The right-handed closer could get at least one to two more opportunities in the Wild Card Series.
If the Yankees advance, Bednar could see more opportunity to gain some statistics and prove his case.
David Bednar closing it out like he does pic.twitter.com/fDZq0hTnbo
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) September 7, 2025
Contract Stipulations
Bednar’s 2025 contract avoided arbitration. In 2026, he’s once again set for arbitration. With a good showing, the closer could strike a case for retention in the Bronx. Bednar could see another one to two years in the Yankees bullpen.
He does not necessarily need to continue as the closer if they add someone else, but a late-inning reliever role would fit the script. So far, the right-hander has proven that he’s a contributor to the bullpen, and should at minimum avoid arbitration.
Main Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
