Yankees Reportedly Finalizing David Bednar Trade with Pirates Ahead of MLB Deadline

The New York Yankees are reportedly "finalizing" a trade to acquire Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar, according to multiple reports.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post relayed the full terms of the deal:

The Yankees have been busy ahead of Thursday's MLB trade deadline, already acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon, utility-man Amed Rosario and outfielder Austin Slater.

The Yankees had a desperate need in the bullpen, and Bednar will at least partially address it. The 30-year-old, a two-time All-Star, is 2-5 this season with a 2.37 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 51 strikeouts in 38 innings and 17 saves in 17 opportunities.

In the past four seasons he's posted 98 saves in 112 opportunities.

Devin Williams has been up-and-down in the closer role for the Yankees this season, posting a 5.01 ERA, though he's saved 17 of his 19 opportunities. Luke Weaver has also been called upon at times in the ninth inning, with eight saves in 11 chances.

New York's bullpen ERA ranks 21st in baseball (4.24), and adding another high-leverage arm was a must. Bednar is an important addition in that regard. He also has one more year of club control available through arbitration, so he isn't simply a one-year rental.

The relief market has been buzzing this week, with a number of high-profile closers highlighting that movement.

The Philadelphia Phillies acquired Jhoan Durán from the Minnesota Twins, the San Diego Padres brought aboard Mason Miller from the Athletics (in an extremely costly deal that will be fascinating to look back on in the years to come), the New York Mets landed Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers traded for Washington Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan.

No team has been busier than the Yankees, however, and Bednar's addition may ultimately be the most important.