David Jeffrey Bednar Bio
David Jeffrey Bednar, nicknamed “The Renegade” and El Oso, is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played for the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates. The Padres selected him in the 35th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Bednar has established a reputation as a reliable closer and has been recognized as an All-Star in both 2022 and 2023, also leading the National League in saves during the 2023 season.
Early Life and Background
David Jeffrey Bednar was born on October 10, 1994, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Mars, Pennsylvania, where he attended Mars Area High School. Despite his later success, Bednar went undrafted out of high school, which motivated him to continue his baseball career at the collegiate level.
After graduating from high school, Bednar enrolled at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. He played college baseball for the Leopards, developing his skills as a pitcher during his time there. His performance in college caught the attention of professional scouts, setting the stage for his eventual selection in the MLB Draft.
Path to Professional Baseball
Bednar’s persistence paid off when the San Diego Padres selected him in the 35th round, with the 1,044th overall selection, of the 2016 MLB Draft. The selection came after his collegiate career at Lafayette College, where he refined his pitching mechanics and built a reputation as a durable arm out of the bullpen.
He signed with the Padres and began his professional career in their minor league system, working his way through their developmental ranks. His early professional seasons showed promise, as he posted solid earned run averages while adjusting to the professional level of competition.
David Jeffrey Bednar Career
Minor League Development (2016–2019)
Bednar spent his first professional season in 2016 splitting time between the Tri-City Dust Devils and the Fort Wayne TinCaps. He combined for a 4–4 win-loss record with a 2.32 ERA in 31 innings pitched. The following season in 2017, he moved up to Fort Wayne and the Lake Elsinore Storm, going 1–4 with a 2.64 ERA over 60 innings.
He remained with Lake Elsinore in 2018, posting a 2–4 record with a 2.73 ERA in 69 innings. Bednar also played for the San Antonio Missions during the 2018 Texas League playoffs. In 2019 with the Amarillo Sod Poodles, he went 2–5 with a 2.95 ERA in 58 innings before earning his promotion to the majors.
San Diego Padres (2019–2020)
The Padres selected Bednar’s contract and promoted him to the major leagues on September 1, 2019. He made his MLB debut that same day versus the San Francisco Giants, pitching a scoreless inning in relief. In his brief rookie appearance, Bednar produced a 0–2 record with a 6.55 ERA and 14 strikeouts over 11 innings pitched.
The 2020 season presented challenges for Bednar as he appeared in limited action, recording a 7.11 ERA with five strikeouts in 6 and one-third innings. The Padres non-tendered his contract following the season, making him a free agent.
Pittsburgh Pirates (2021–2025)
On January 19, 2021, Bednar was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates as part of a three-team trade that also sent prospects to the Pirates, Joey Lucchesi to the New York Mets, and Joe Musgrove to the Padres. This trade returned Bednar to his hometown area of Pittsburgh.
In his first full major league season in 2021, Bednar emerged as a reliable option out of the Pirates bullpen. He went 3–1 with a 2.23 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 61 appearances. Bednar received a single vote in National League Rookie of the Year voting, tying him for eighth place.
Bednar began the 2022 season with dominant numbers, posting a 2.63 ERA and recording 15 saves in 41 innings pitched. His performance earned him a selection to the MLB All-Star Game, representing the Pirates in the midsummer classic.
He continued his strong work in 2023, appearing in 57 games and establishing himself as one of the premier closers in the National League. Bednar converted 39 saves while maintaining a 2.00 ERA, earning his second consecutive All-Star selection. His 39 saves led all National League pitchers, securing the NL saves title for the season.
The 2024 season proved difficult as Bednar struggled to a 6.32 ERA in 50 games. The Pirates removed him from the closer role on August 30, 2024. He began the 2025 season with Pittsburgh, posting a 2.73 ERA and 12 saves through early June. He earned National League Reliever of the Month honors for June after surrendering just one unearned run over 10 innings with 16 strikeouts.
New York Yankees (2025–Present)
On July 31, 2025, the Pirates traded Bednar to the New York Yankees in exchange for Rafael Flores, Edgleen Perez, and Brian Sanchez. The trade brought Bednar to the defending American League champions and placed him in a bullpen competing for a postseason berth.
Since joining the Yankees, Bednar has contributed as a late-inning relief option. His experience as a former closer provides depth to the Yankees bullpen as they pursue another championship run.
Pitching Style and Strengths
Bednar has built his career as a power reliever, relying on an effective fastball and complementary secondary pitches. His ability to generate swings and misses in high-leverage situations has made him a trusted option for managers in closing scenarios. He has shown the capacity to pitch multiple innings when needed and perform under pressure in save situations.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Bednar’s most significant career achievement came in 2023 when he led the National League with 39 saves and earned his second All-Star selection. His All-Star appearances in back-to-back seasons highlighted his consistency as one of the top relievers in baseball. The trade to the Yankees in 2025 represented a new chapter, joining a storied franchise with championship aspirations.
David Jeffrey Bednar Career Statistics
Throughout his MLB career, Bednar has established himself as a durable closer with impressive strikeout numbers and a track record of converting high-pressure save opportunities.
Major League Baseball Highlights
Through June 24, 2026, Bednar has compiled a career record of 20 wins and 26 losses with a 3.16 earned run average. He has recorded 428 career strikeouts and 127 saves across his time with the Padres, Pirates, and Yankees. His 127 career saves include his NL-leading 39 saves from the 2023 season with Pittsburgh.
Bednar’s All-Star selections in 2022 and 2023 represent the peak of his career thus far, with the 2023 NL saves title serving as his most prestigious individual achievement. His ability to pitch effectively in the ninth inning has made him a valuable asset for every team he has joined.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Bednar has earned recognition for his outstanding relief pitching. His two All-Star selections and NL saves leader honor in 2023 stand as testament to his consistency and reliability on the mound. These accomplishments have solidified his reputation as one of the premier closers in the National League.
| Achievement | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| All-Star Selection | 2022, 2023 |
| NL Saves Leader | 2023 |
| NL Reliever of the Month | June 2025 |
David Jeffrey Bednar Family
Family Background
Bednar was born in Pittsburgh and raised in Mars, Pennsylvania, giving him deep roots in the western Pennsylvania region. His baseball career runs in the family, as his younger brother, Will Bednar, is also a professional pitcher currently in the San Francisco Giants organization. The Bednar brothers represent a rare example of siblings both reaching professional baseball.
Personal Life
Bednar’s nickname, “The Renegade,” pays homage to the Styx song of the same name. The song serves dual purposes as his entrance music and a pump-up anthem commonly used by his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers. During the 2025 season with the Yankees, his new teammates gave him the Spanish nickname “El Oso,” which means “The Bear” in English. Bednar continues to reside in the Pittsburgh area during the offseason, maintaining his connection to his western Pennsylvania roots.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Bednar serving as the Pittsburgh Pirates’ primary closer. He posted solid numbers through early June, maintaining a 2.73 ERA and converting 12 saves in his first opportunities. His performance in June proved exceptional, as he surrendered just one unearned run over 10 innings while striking out 16 batters. This dominant stretch earned him National League Reliever of the Month honors for June, marking his second career monthly award.
The midseason trade to the New York Yankees on July 31, 2025, shifted Bednar into a new role with a championship-contending team. Joining a deep Yankees bullpen, he provides experience and versatility as a late-inning option. His career statistics through late June 2026 show 127 career saves with a 3.16 ERA and 428 strikeouts, demonstrating his sustained effectiveness throughout his MLB career.