The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled for years, and every summer, teams across MLB have expressed interest in acquiring All-Star closer before the trade deadline. However, yet another decision by team owner Bob Nutting may have significantly hurt the franchise.
As reported by Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates’ front office has long wanted to trade Him and received inquiries from several clubs. Despite this, ownership repeatedly stepped in and blocked any potential deal.
Bednar, now 30, was a two-time All-Star who led the National League in saves in 2023. From 2021 to 2023, he posted a stellar 2.25 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings over 179.2 innings pitched. He was entering his prime and was on an affordable, team-controlled contract, making him one of the most valuable trade chips in baseball.
The Pirates’ front office recognized an opportunity to deal Bednar while his value was at its peak, especially given the team’s lack of playoff prospects. A trade could have brought in a significant haul of top-tier prospects to boost the farm system.
Bednar’s contract, per Spotrac, pays him $5.9 million in 2025, and he’s arbitration-eligible in 2026. Despite the logical timing for a trade, Nutting vetoed the move. Since then, Bednar’s performance has declined sharply.
In 2024, he has posted a 5.72 ERA and 1.47 WHIP, with declining strikeout numbers and 9.1 hits allowed per 9 innings over his last 72.1 innings. The Pirates even demoted him in hopes a stint in the minors would help him rebound—but it hasn’t. As a result, his trade value has dropped substantially from what it once was.
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