In 2021, the Pittsburgh Pirates have had one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball. Through 137 games, the team has posted a 5.13 ERA and have struggled to hold leads. One bright spot, however, has been David Bednar, who has emerged as an elite arm. Bednar was acquired by Pittsburgh in the Joe Musgrove trade and has become a key part of the Pirates’ future.
Entering this season, Bednar had only appeared in 17 MLB games, posting a 6.75 ERA. In his first 17.1 innings of work, Bednar allowed 13 earned runs. The former 35th-round pick struggled with his control and allowed 21 hits while walking three batters. With the Pirates, however, he has been a completely different pitcher.
Through 57 games with Pittsburgh, Bednar has recorded a 2.18 ERA. In 57.2 innings of work, he has held opponents to a .181 average and been lights out in the second half. Over the last two months, Bednar has allowed two earned runs and has allowed just one hit in his last six appearances. Although the Pirates closer had never appeared in more than 13 games in an MLB season before 2021, he has gotten better as the innings have added up.
Additionally, since taking over the closer’s role, Bednar has risen to the challenge. While save opportunities have not been at a premium, Bednar has converted three straight opportunities while striking out 23 batters. He is one of the two Pirates relievers with an ERA under 3.00 and has been used in mostly high-leverage situations. While Bednar’s career is just getting started, he is quickly proving his value.
David Bednar, Filthy Curveballs. 😷
And sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/S2G3AIEwop
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 6, 2021
Expectations for Bednar
Although Bednar is flying under the radar, his impressive rookie campaign is starting to get some recognition. In August, he got at least one vote for NL Rookie of the Month and Reliever of the Month. After allowing one run in half of his appearances in July, he has not allowed an earned run since August 12. In an unreliable Pirates bullpen, the former Padre has been the exception.
With Pittsburgh out of the playoff picture, the season’s final weeks will focus on how the team’s young players perform. With many talented prospects getting closer to the majors, a lot of changes are on the horizon. Bednar is one of the few players on the big-league roster who has secured a role.
Due to his elite arsenal, Bednar has had one of the best seasons by a Pirates rookie reliever in recent memory. He has posted a high strikeout rate but has also shown good control. He will most likely receive some consideration for NL Rookie of the Year in what has been an impressive 2021 campaign.
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Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
