David Bednar

Bednar is receiving a $3.1 million raise in his last year before free agency. He finished last year as the Yankees' closer after replacing Devin Williams, and it seems obvious at this point that he'll keep the job going into 2026. He had a 2.30 ERA and an 86/19 K/BB in 62 2/3 innings for the Pirates and Yankees last season.

Bednar agreed to a one-year, $9 million contract with the Yankees on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

The Yankees have reportedly avoided arbitration with relievers David Bednar and Camilo Doval, for this upcoming season.

Santana finished with a 2.18 ERA and 16 saves in a 2025 season split between closing and setting up for David Bednar. He's the clear favorite for saves in the Pittsburgh pen as he enters his walk year. A July trade is probably forthcoming if the team fails to contend.

Santana was a crucial part of the Pirates' bullpen in 2025, taking over the closer's role when David Bednar was demoted to Triple-A and then again later after Bednar was traded to the Yankees. He threw 70 1/3 innings with a 2.18 ERA, 0.867 WHIP, and 60/17 K/BB ratio while recording 16 saves. He will likely form a closer committee in 2026 with newly signed left-hander Gregory Soto.