When many whispers started that the Yankees needed a spark in their bullpen, Cashman put the money on a guy whose story is more than just numbers. David Bednar didn’t just show up in the NYY overnight; he worked for it. He came to the clubhouse in a midseason deal not only as the latest arm, but to strengthen the rotation. And in Game 2 against the Red Sox of the Wild Card series, he exactly did that. He struck out two batters in a perfect 1-2-3 ninth to earn his first postseason save, and with that, the Bronx won it 4-3.
Behind those numbers, there’s a story of who he is off the field, who supports him, and more. So, let’s get into it without wasting more time.
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Who is David Bednar? Everything you should know about him
David Bednar was born on October 10, 1994, in Butler County, Pennsylvania. He is a hard-throwing right-handed reliever for the New York Yankees. In 2019, he made his major league debut with the San Diego Padres. Later, he built a name for himself with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
He is 6′1″ tall and weighs about 250 pounds. The San Diego Padres took a chance on him in the 35th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. After grinding through the minor leagues and making his Major League debut in 2019, he arrived in Pittsburgh through a three-team trade in 2021. That homecoming sparked his breakout—he earned All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023, and led the NL with 39 saves in 2023, establishing himself as one of the game’s elite closers.
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Who is his wife? Everything to know
Casey Bednar has remained David’s steady companion through the unpredictable roller coaster of professional baseball. The couple has chosen to keep their relationship largely private, avoiding the spotlight that often follows Major League players. Yet those close to the situation recognize Casey as a constant presence during both triumphant moments and challenging periods in David’s career.
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Earlier this year, David and Casey welcomed their first child, marking a new chapter in their lives together. The announcement through social media drew an outpouring of support from teammates, fans, and the broader baseball community.
Who are his Parents? What is their ethnicity? All to know
Andy Bednar is David’s father, and Sue Bednar is his mother. Andy used to be a pitcher and coached baseball at Mars Area High School. Sue has been a big part of Bednar’s support system, and he has talked about how much she has helped him, especially during long road trips.
David Bednar said of his mother, “She’s always really supportive and positive.” He went on and told, “I think that’s where I get my ‘go with the flow’ type mindset. It was her balance.”
She and Andy made countless trips across Pennsylvania to watch David pitch at Lafayette College, often driving out early in the morning for a 1 o’clock game and returning home the same night. The Bednars have a baseball legacy extending beyond David—his younger brother Will was a first-round draft pick by the San Francisco Giants in 2021, and their sister Danielle is dedicated to her own pursuits.
There is no public record of any specific information on ethnicity for his parents. It is believed that they have an American (white) heritage, with roots in Pennsylvania. Their lives were deeply embedded in Pennsylvania culture and baseball tradition, which influenced David’s path from a young age.
What is David Bednar’s Net Worth in 2025?
David Bednar’s financial trajectory reflects his rise from a late-round draft pick to an elite closer. In 2025, he earns $5.9 million after agreeing to a deal that avoided arbitration with his team. His total MLB salary earnings are expected to be $18,674,480 by 2025.
Some sources, including SalarySport, say his net worth is lower, about $2,181,678.
Know about his contract, salary
On July 31, 2025, the New York Yankees traded three prospects to the Pittsburgh Pirates for David Bednar. The prospects were catcher/first baseman Rafael Flores, catcher Edgleen Perez, and outfielder Brian Sanchez.
In 2025, Bednar signed a one-year, $5,900,000 contract with the Pirates, which the Yankees currently own. He is guaranteed that compensation, yet the team still has authority over him (through arbitration eligibility) until 2026.
A look at his professional career
David Bednar’s professional career started with long odds. The San Diego Padres took him in the 35th round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Lafayette College. He didn’t have a lot of experience, but he was sure of himself. Bednar spent a few seasons in the minors, where he had a 9-18 record and a 2.64 ERA over 228.2 innings, with 315 strikeouts. He made his MLB debut on September 1, 2019. In the early years, he had some hiccups and changes in roles.
By 2021, he joined the Pirates, where he steadily gained trust. The 2024 season tested Bednar’s resilience. He had a 5.77 ERA over 62 games, only 23 saves, and lost his closer job.
In 2025, he fell early, starting the season with a terrible 27.00 ERA in three games, which forced Pittsburgh to send him to Triple-A Indianapolis. But after he pitched five scoreless innings and struck out seven batters in the minor leagues, he was brought back up on April 19. When he got back, Bednar recalibrated: he fixed his mechanics, got back his swing-and-miss stuff. That comeback made the NYY trade for him at the 2025 trade deadline.
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With the Yankees in 2025, Bednar posted a 2.19 ERA over 24.2 innings in 22 appearances, striking out 35 batters and giving up just 6 earned runs.
David Bednar’s postseason debut save against Boston proved why the Yankees gambled on redemption.