Dodgers Pursuing Pirates' All-Star Closer to Stabilize Shaky Bullpen

Dodgers Pursuing Pirates' All-Star Closer to Stabilize Shaky Bullpen originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen has become a glaring weakness. They lead the league in home runs allowed (59) and rank among the seven worst bullpens in baseball with a 4.38 ERA. Outside of Alex Vesia, there's no one arm that manager Dave Roberts can consistently trust in high-leverage situations.

Closer Tanner Scott, brought in to solidify the late innings, has struggled with command and the long ball, forcing the team back into the trade market to find a solution to the chagrin of President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman.

Following an offseason where the team spent $107 million on three relief pitchers, the Dodgers have called the Pittsburgh Pirates regarding closer David Bednar, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Bednar, 30, has quietly put together an excellent half-decade stretch that should thrust him into the most underrated relievers category. Outside of a putrid 2024 campaign, Bednar has totaled a sub-3.00 ERA, at least 57 innings, and averaged 58 strikeouts in each season since 2021.

Bednar has been equally as impressive this season as in the prior four. After a short demotion to Triple-A, the former two-time All-Star found his footing. In 32 innings, he has a 2.53 ERA with 45 strikeouts and converted each of his 13 save opportunities.  

Although the Pirates are not shopping Bednar, they have indicated to Nightengale that they are open to trading any player other than phenom Paul Skenes and outfielder Oneil Cruz, leaving the veteran open for the taking.

Bednar is arbitration-eligible for one more, making him an enticing and cheap trade deadline addition for the Dodgers. With Friedman already annoyed that he has to dip back into the trade market, acquiring Bednar may soften the blow. The veteran right-hander has the track record and closing experience to add versatility to manager Dave Roberts’ bullpen strategy amid another pennant race, and should cost under $10 million in 2026 should the clubs choose to keep him.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.