The New York Yankees’ search for bullpen reinforcement has entered the decision phase as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. Three premium relievers, Pirates’ David Bednar, Twins’ Jhoan Duran, and Royals’ Carlos Estevez, has emerged as potential targets. All three represent the high-leverage, swing-and-miss weapons that GM Brian Cashman desperately needs to shore up a bullpen that has been “taxed with injuries” despite some recent improvements.
Yankees’ bullpen urgency intensifies
The Yankees enter the final weeks before the deadline with a 53-43 record and an 89.8% playoff probability. But clear weaknesses in their relief corps have made bullpen reinforcement Cashman’s top priority. Despite ranking 5th in the AL with a 3.46 ERA, the Yankees have significant depth concerns beyond their primary arms.
“I’d certainly love to import a starter, some relievers because our bullpen has been taxed with injuries, and an infielder, if possible,” Cashman told MLB.com, signaling the team’s clear intentions as deadline buyers.
The situation has become more pressing with Luke Weaver’s recent return from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for 4-6 weeks, during which he posted an 8.64 ERA in nine appearances. While closer Devin Williams has rebounded from early-season struggles (1.72 ERA in his last 17 outings after a 11.25 ERA start), the Yankees lack reliable depth behind Williams, Weaver, and setup man Tim Hill.
Target no. 1 David Bednar
The Pirates’ closer represents perhaps the most intriguing storyline among available relievers. After a disastrous start to 2025 that included a Triple-A demotion following a 27.00 ERA in his first three appearances, David Bednar has completely transformed his season. Since his April 19 recall, he’s posted a 1.88 ERA over 28.2 innings with a 36.6% strikeout rate and 6.9% walk rate, ranking among the top-6 qualified relievers in multiple advanced metrics.
The Pittsburgh native’s resurgence has restored his trade value at the perfect time for the struggling Pirates (39-58), who are guaranteed sellers. Unlike previous years when ownership intervened to prevent Bednar trades due to his hometown connections, sources indicate no such intervention is expected this time.
“The Pirates are in a total state of collapse,” noted one industry source, referencing the team’s willingness to capitalize on Bednar’s restored value. MLB Trade Rumors ranks him #3 among their top 40 trade candidates.
For the Yankees, Bednar represents an ideal fit both financially and competitively. His $5.9 million salary easily fits under luxury tax concerns, and the team’s successful track record with former Pirates pitchers (Clay Holmes, Jameson Taillon) suggests strong organizational familiarity. His 2022-2023 All-Star pedigree and 39 saves in 2023 demonstrate proven closer ability.
Target no. 2 Jhoan Duran
The Twins’ closer presents the most tantalizing but expensive option. Jhoran Duran is having a dominant 2025 campaign with a 1.66 ERA through 44 appearances, leading all MLB closers while maintaining his devastating 100+ mph fastball and unique “splinker” pitch that sits at 97.5 mph.
Most importantly for acquiring teams, Duran has team control through 2027, making him a potential cornerstone piece rather than a rental. His 15 saves and perfect record of allowing zero home runs in 2025 showcase elite performance.
ESPN ranks Duran with a 40% chance of being traded, though the Twins’ reluctance to sell creates complications. Derek Falvey stated that selling is “not my focus right now by any means,” but the team’s 47-49 record and recent 3-14 stretch have shifted them toward seller status.
The asking price for Duran would be substantial, likely requiring a top-10 prospect as the centerpiece plus multiple additional pieces. His combination of elite performance, unique stuff, and multi-year control would trigger a bidding war among contenders forcing the Yankees to bid high.
Target no. 3 Carlos Estevez
The Royals’ closer represents the most intriguing wild card in the Yankees‘ pursuit. Despite signing a two-year, $22 million deal with Kansas City in January 2025, recent speculation suggests the 32-year-old All-Star could become available as the Royals evaluate their position at the deadline.
Estevez has posted a 2.36 ERA with 25 saves in 42 appearances this season, earning his second All-Star selection. While his strikeout rate has dipped to 20.1% and his fastball velocity has decreased from 96.8 mph to 95.4 mph, he remains effective with his high-riding fastball and slider combination.
The Royals’ willingness to deal Estevez would depend on their playoff positioning. Currently sitting at 47-50 after acquiring Adam Frazier on Wednesday, Kansas City appears to view themselves as buyers despite their below-.500 record. However, if their recent 8-4 stretch doesn’t continue, ownership might pivot toward selling valuable assets.
For the Yankees, Estevez offers immediate closer experience with proven postseason credentials. His contract runs through 2026 with a club option for 2027, providing both short-term impact and medium-term stability. The financial commitment ($11 million annually) fits comfortably within the Yankees’ luxury tax considerations.
Target comparison analysis
| Pitcher (Age) | Team | 2025 ERA | Saves | Contract Status | 2025 Salary | Remaining Years | Trade Cost |
| David Bednar (30) | Pirates | 2.53 | 20 | Arbitration-eligible | $5.9M | Through 2026 | Mid-level prospects |
| Jhoan Duran (27) | Twins | 1.66 | 15 | Team control | $4.1M | Through 2027 | Top-10 prospect + |
| Carlos Estevez (32) | Royals | 2.36 | 25 | Signed free agent | $11M | Through 2026 + 2027 club option | Moderate prospects |
Market dynamics favor sellers
The relief pitching market has become increasingly competitive as multiple contenders seek bullpen help. The Philadelphia Phillies have shown strong interest in Bednar. The Detroit Tigers have emerged as a potential suitor for Estevez, creating an AL Central rivalry dynamic that could complicate Kansas City’s decision-making.
“The Yankees are not going to stop at one player this deadline,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan noted, emphasizing the team’s multiple needs. “They have too many weaknesses to take half-measures.”
The Yankees’ financial constraints add complexity to their pursuit. They must balance impact with cost efficiency. Estevez’s established contract could offer the most predictable financial scenario among the three targets.
Timeline creates urgency
With the July 31 deadline approaching, the Yankees face increasing pressure to address their bullpen needs. Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees are “zeroing in on further bullpen reinforcements” and are “fully engaged” buyers.
The combination of their strong playoff position, organizational depth to make competitive offers, and clear need for high-leverage relief help positions them as serious contenders for both Bednar and Duran. However, the cost differential between a rental closer (Bednar) and a multi-year controlled elite arm (Duran) may ultimately determine which direction Cashman pursues.
The Yankees’ relief pitching pursuit has narrowed to three distinctly different but equally compelling options. Bednar offers immediate impact at a reasonable cost with his remarkable comeback story, while Duran represents the long-term solution with elite stuff and multi-year control. Estevez provides the middle ground – an established closer with proven credentials and manageable contract terms.
With the Pirates guaranteed to sell, the Twins showing reluctance but potentially shifting toward seller status, and the Royals’ position remaining fluid based on their next two weeks of performance, the Yankees face complex negotiations. The deadline’s final two weeks will determine whether Cashman can secure one of these high-leverage arms that could transform the Yankees’ October prospects.
Each option presents unique advantages: Bednar’s value and proven ability, Duran’s elite upside and control, or Estevez’s experience and financial predictability. The choice may ultimately depend on which seller becomes most motivated and what price the Yankees are willing to pay for bullpen stability.
Which one do you think is the best possible fit for the Yankees? Comment below.
