San Diego Padres: 4 player moves A.J. Preller likely regrets

David Bednar traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates traded one of baseball’s top starters (Joe Musgrove) with the hope that David Bednar would develop into one of the best closers in the sport. And their projections were not too far off. Bednar comes as advertised, challenging hitters with an overpowering fastball.

The Friars front office thought Bednar was a promising bullpen option for the big league club. Why not after he recorded a 2.71 ERA with a 303-71 strikeout-to-walk differential in his four minor league seasons with the Padres. Preller and his staff praised his dominant fastball, which bolstered Bednar’s stock as a potential major league closer.

Bednar posted a 2,21 ERA in his first season with the Pirates. His work from the mound featured plenty of swing-and-misses as Bednar struck out 77 batters in 60.2 IP. Those statistical numbers have changed very little since his debut in the Black and Gold.

Bednar is a fixture in their bullpen as the team’s closer. He has recorded 37 saves in 136 career appearances with Pittsburgh. Bednar is unhittable in high-level late-inning situations. He has a 29.1% strikeout rate and a pedestrian 2.6% walking rate in 142.1 IP.

He is not your prototypical major league pitcher, but Bednar provides a steady, consistent presence to any team’s bullpen. Nevertheless, acquiring a starting pitcher of Musgrove’s ability is worth the price of Bednar.