New York — As the trade deadline approaches, the New York Yankees are focusing on bolstering their pitching staff, with manager Aaron Boone expressing a strong preference for adding bullpen arms. Following recent acquisitions of three hitters, the Yankees recognize that shoring up their struggling bullpen is critical for their postseason aspirations.

Reports suggest the Yankees are on the verge of acquiring closer David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bednar, who has been a standout in Pittsburgh, is under contract through 2026 and is earning $5.9 million this season. The move marks a significant shift for the Pirates as they transition their roster.

In return, the Pirates are expected to receive catcher and first base prospect Rafael Flores, along with catching prospect Edgleen Perez and outfield prospect Brian Sanchez. Flores, at 24, has improved dramatically this year, showcasing a .279 average and 16 home runs across 97 games in the minors. His emergence follows a successful stint at Double-A and a recent promotion to Triple-A.

Perez, 19, while struggling at High-A with a .209 batting average, had been viewed as one of the Yankees’ top prospects earlier in the year. Meanwhile, Sanchez, 21, has performed well at High-A, boasting an .811 OPS this season. The Yankees’ recent trades of catching prospects signal a strategic shift in their organizational depth.

Bednar represents an essential addition for the Yankees. His 33.1 percent strikeout rate places him in the elite 95th percentile, providing the team with the high-velocity relief they have lacked. This season, Bednar’s fastball averages 97.1 mph, contrasting sharply with a Yankees bullpen that has one of the league’s slowest average pitches.

Since being optioned to Triple-A early in the season after a difficult start, Bednar has rebounded, sporting a 1.70 ERA since returning in April. He is emerging as a key player, not only for his immediate contributions but also as a foundational piece of the bullpen.

The Yankees’ bullpen has struggled significantly, evidenced by a 4.89 ERA, ranking as one of the lowest in Major League Baseball. Boone has found it difficult to rely on his relief options, acknowledging that only a few players have consistently performed well in high-pressure situations.

With the potential return of injured pitchers Mark Leiter Jr. and Fernando Cruz in the coming weeks, the addition of Bednar could stabilize the bullpen considerably. The Yankees are also keeping an eye on future roster configurations, as both Leiter and Cruz will be free agents after the season.

Bednar’s background adds an intriguing layer to his story; he was a late-round draft pick, initially picked up by the San Diego Padres, before finding success after moving to Pittsburgh. His journey underscores the unpredictability of baseball prospects and the transformative impact of development and opportunity.

Looking ahead, the Pirates appear poised to continue their rebuilding strategy, having already traded away notable players like Adam Frazier and now Bednar. As the deadline looms, the Yankees remain active, exploring additional options in both the bullpen and starting rotation, including prospects from other teams.

The recent trades and ongoing negotiations highlight the Yankees’ commitment to fortifying their roster as they aim for a postseason run while also focusing on long-term viability in an ever-competitive league.