Former Pirates Manager Praises David Bednar’s Elite Makeup and Pitching Arsenal

Former Pirates Manager Praises David Bednar’s Elite Makeup and Pitching Arsenal originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

As the New York Yankees prepare to welcome All-Star closer David Bednar to their bullpen, former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton offered a glowing assessment of what makes Bednar such a valuable pitcher.

Shelton told Joel Sherman of the New York Post, “Makeup is elite, gamer wants the ball. Now that fastball to top of zone has come back, he can use curveball as lead pitch for free strike and then finish with fastball up or spilt down.”

Former Pirates manager Derek Shelton told me on Bednar: “Makeup is elite, gamer wants the ball. Now that fastball to top of zone has come back he can use curveball as lead pitch for free strike and then finish with fastball up or spilt down.”

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2025

This succinct evaluation highlights two critical aspects of Bednar's game: his mental toughness and his refined pitching arsenal.

First, Shelton emphasizes Bednar's "elite" makeup. Being a "gamer" who "wants the ball" speaks to Bednar's competitive nature. Closers thrive in high-pressure moments, and Shelton's praise suggests Bednar actively seeks out these situations rather than shying away. This willingness to take on the biggest moments makes him a natural fit for the Yankees' late-inning needs.

The second part of Shelton's quote dives into Bednar's pitching approach. After regaining command of his fastball located at the top of the strike zone, Bednar effectively uses his curveball to gain the advantage with "free strikes."

This means he can throw curveballs in early counts, often resulting in called strikes or weak contact. He then finishes hitters with either a fastball high in the zone or a split-finger fastball down in the strike zone, keeping batters off balance.

David Bednar, Painted 79mph Curveball. 🖌️🎨 pic.twitter.com/sZNn21lbQB

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 2, 2025

Bednar's pitch sequencing and ability to execute multiple pitches with precision have made him a two-time All-Star and one of baseball's more dependable closers.

For the Yankees, acquiring Bednar means adding not just a talented arm but a competitor with the mentality to thrive in high-leverage situations. Shelton's insights suggest Bednar is poised to make an immediate impact.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.