Dodgers May Find Much-Needed Bullpen Help With All-Star Closer David Bednar
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The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite their offseason intentions, have to go searching for bullpen help before the trade deadline.
While the Dodgers will have plenty of options to choose from, none will be cheap in a sellers' market. MLB insider Jeff Passan believes Los Angeles is a good fit for Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 23: David Bednar #51 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with Joey Bart #14 after the final out of a 6-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds during the game at PNC Park...
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 23: David Bednar #51 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with Joey Bart #14 after the final out of a 6-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds during the game at PNC Park on August 23, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. More"In a market replete with relief options, 30-year-old Bednar brings high-end performance without quite the price tag of his peers," Passan wrote on Monday. "His swing-and-miss stuff has been elite since his return from Triple-A, and he has more than salvaged his trade value: Over his past 18 outings, Bednar has struck out 23, walked four and posted a 0.00 ERA."
Bednar appeared for the Pirates in Monday night's 3-0 win over the Detroit Tigers and struck out one batter en route to recording his 14th save of the season. This brings his strikeout-to-walk ratio up to 24-to-4 over his last 19 outings and has not conceded an earned run.
The Dodgers bullpen would certainly benefit from a closer of Bednar's pedigree as he has regained his All-Star form for the Pirates. He has 1 1/2 years of team control remaining so while Los Angeles wouldn't acquire him for peanuts, it also wouldn't have to sell the farm either.
Passan gives Bednar a 60% chance of being traded but believes several other teams will be pursuing him from the Pirates.
"Best fits: Detroit, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs," wrote Passan.
Bednar would thrive in a late-inning role for the Dodgers as they pursue another World Series as long as they are willing to outbid other contenders for his services.
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