Yankees Offer David Bednar $23.15 Million for One Year
The Yankees made closer David Bednar a $23.15 million qualifying offer on November 2, giving him until November 17 to decide whether to accept. Seven other MLB players also received offers.
New York’s offer is its first move to retain Bednar, a key bullpen arm who joined the Yankees from Pittsburgh. The 32-year-old right-hander can accept the one-year deal by November 17 or turn it down and enter free agency. If he signs elsewhere, the Yankees could receive draft-pick compensation, with the pick’s placement depending on the new contract and the teams’ financial status under MLB rules.
Bednar recorded a 2.39 ERA, 45 saves and 111 strikeouts over 94 innings in 86 appearances for New York. He allowed one run in eight postseason appearances and did not go on the injured list during his time with the club. He was demoted to Triple-A near the start of 2025, yet remained a productive reliever after returning.
The offer comes as New York faces substantial work rebuilding its bullpen. Brent Headrick is the only returning reliever described as a sure thing, while Fernando Cruz is attempting to recover from a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament without surgery. Paul Blackburn, another leading reliever for the Yankees in 2026, is a free agent.
Seven other players received offers worth the same $23.15 million: Seiya Suzuki, Randy Arozarena, Jake Bauers, Trevor Rogers, Ryan Jeffers, Brandon Lowe and Adrian Morejon. Players have received qualifying offers since the system began after the 2012 season; 18 of the 157 offers made before this year were accepted. The amount is calculated from the average value of the 125 highest major league contracts that year.