Yankees 2026 Roster Report Cards: David Bednar
The Yankees’ closer gave the team a reliable stopper in the ninth for a first time in a while.
David Bednar has emerged as the New York Yankees' consistent closer since being acquired at the 2025 deadline. Over the 2026 season, he posted a 2.47 ERA (171 ERA+), 2.87 FIP, and 20 K-BB%, while tallying 35 saves (39 opportunities). Despite a rocky start with four runs allowed in his first six outings, Bednar converted every save opportunity in front of him, particularly after mid-May.
His performance improved significantly, as he went 17 saves in a row before a walk-off home run in May, and then went 24 consecutive scoreless innings into late July. Bednar's dominance continued into the playoffs, where he delivered three shutout innings without allowing a run. He'll be a free agent in 2027, and the Yankees plan to extend a qualifying offer of $23 million to Bednar, making him the highest-paid reliever in baseball next year.
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