David Bednar Trade Should Be the Death Blow to Paul Skenes’ Pirates Future originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Perhaps the worst part about the 2025 MLB trade deadline involves a player who, as of publication, had not been traded — and who almost certainly won’t be traded anytime soon.

The New York Yankees acquired Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar on Thursday. The Pirates received catching prospects Rafael Flores and Edgleen Perez and outfielder Brian Sanchez. The 30-year-old closer was one of the top relief pitchers on the market this year. He joins a Yankees bullpen that includes Luke Weaver and Devin Williams.

The Pittsburgh Pirates took an offer for their closer from the New York Yankees, but was it the best offer available to them?