Standing 6’1″ and weighing 250 lbs, Bednar bats left and throws right. He has become a key figure in the Pirates’ bullpen, earning All-Star selections and setting club records. In 2023, Bednar posted a 2.00 ERA over 67.1 innings with 39 saves, the fifth-most in franchise history, and a 92.9% save conversion rate—second-best in team history among pitchers with at least 40 opportunities. He was Pittsburgh’s nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award for three consecutive years, highlighting his impact both on and off the field.
Bednar reached several milestones, including his 200th career appearance and 100th game at PNC Park, becoming the 15th player to pitch 100 games at the stadium. He moved into the top six on the Pirates’ all-time saves list, tying Joel Hanrahan with his 21st save on August 16, 2023. Bednar also pitched for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, earning a win against Venezuela.
Injuries have occasionally interrupted his seasons, including a left oblique strain in 2023, but Bednar consistently returned to form. He became known for his reliability in high-leverage situations, converting long stretches of consecutive save opportunities and posting scoreless streaks. His performances earned him the Steve Blass Award as the Pirates’ top pitcher and the National League Relief Pitcher of the Month in May 2022.
With a career total of 354 strikeouts and a current annual salary of $5.9 million, Bednar’s combination of power and consistency has made him a valuable asset for Pittsburgh. As of his seventh MLB season, he continues to be a central figure in the Pirates’ bullpen and a subject of trade speculation near the MLB deadline, with teams such as the New York Yankees reportedly showing interest (David Bednar profile on ESPN).
For more on Bednar’s advanced metrics and game logs, visit his Baseball-Reference page.