Full Breakdown
Yankees Closer Bednar’s Struggles Prompt Bullpen Overhaul
5/19/2026, 1:17:00 PM
Background & Context
The Yankees entered the season with a depleted bullpen after losing relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver in free agency. Manager Aaron Boone publicly expressed confidence in the remaining arms, including closer David Bednar, who posted a 2.19 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 2025. The club also added starting pitcher Elmer Rodriguez, who posted a 4.15 ERA over three starts. Despite leading the league in home runs, the bullpen’s instability has drawn attention as the team pursues a championship-caliber season.
Mets Blowup
On May 17 at Citi Field, Yankees closer David Bednar entered with a three-run ninth lead. He gave up a three-run homer to Tyrone Taylor that tied the game, and the Mets won 7-6 in the 10th on Carson Benge’s walk-off. The loss was the Yankees’ seventh in nine games and sharpened bullpen scrutiny.
Performance Metrics
Bednar holds a 1-3 record, 11 saves, a 5.14 ERA after the Blue Jays win, a 4.95 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP. He has walked nine batters in 21 outings, struck out 21, and blown two saves. The bullpen used six relievers in the Mets loss and five the night before.
Official Statements
Manager Aaron Boone praised Bednar’s “mettle,” saying he “kept making pitches” and is “not flappable,” showing trust in his composure. Bednar called his recent outings “unacceptable,” expressing frustration with a pitch that “didn’t end up where I wanted it to be” while trusting his stuff.
Criticism
Analysts say the bullpen’s high walk rate, elevated WHIP and heavy usage jeopardize the Yankees’ contention. The loss of Devin Williams and Luke Weaver left limited depth, prompting calls for a trade-deadline acquisition or promotion of Brent Headrick.
Conflicting Reports
Sources list Bednar’s ERA as 5.14 after the Blue Jays game, 4.95 overall and 7.35 for May. No plan from GM Brian Cashman on adding a reliever has been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Great job by him of having a tough one yesterday and this one not getting off to a good start,” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager
- “It kind of shows who he is, and his mettle, that he doesn’t stop giving in and he doesn’t stop making pitches.” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager
- “I’ve had a lot of success with that pitch. I trust my stuff,” — David Bednar, Yankees closer
- “But overall, it’s unacceptable, especially in that spot. It’s just very frustrating.” — David Bednar, Yankees closer
What’s Next
The Yankees face Toronto Blue Jays next, testing bullpen. With trade deadline looming, front office will evaluate internal options and external targets before postseason push.
