Yankees get $55.5 million contract prediction for All-Star reliever
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Yankees get $55.5 million contract prediction for All-Star reliever originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The New York Yankees' bullpen may look very different in 2027.
One aspect of the bullpen they would prefer to keep the same is who closes games in the ninth inning.
The AL East organization has already extended the $23.15 million qualifying offer to closer David Bednar, and the two-time All-Star has until November 17 to accept or decline.
During that time, the Yankees and Bednar could negotiate another contract instead of the one-year deal.
Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly predicts the two sides will reach an agreement, whether Bednar declines the QO or another deal is proposed.
"Retaining Bednar makes sense for the Yankees, but if they go in another direction, he should interest pretty much any team that needs relief help. Like [Raisel] Iglesias, it's unclear whether he would be open to opportunities as a setup man," Kelly wrote.
Kelly predicts Bednar will sign a three-year, $55.5 million contract with the Yankees, including a $15 million club option for 2030. By that time, Bednar will be 36.
"Since then, Bednar has gotten the train back on the tracks. Since the start of the 2025 season—time split between the Pirates and Yankees—Bednar has a 2.39 ERA and 62 saves," he added. "He's proven capable of handling the pressure of pitching in a major market, which should help him in free agency."
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Bednar posted a 2.47 ERA and converted 35 of his 39 save opportunities in 64 appearances this past season.
If Bednar accepts the qualifying offer, he would become the highest-paid reliever ever in terms of average annual value.
Currently, Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz holds the record at $23 million per year. Diaz signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers last offseason.
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