The New York Yankees have some key players hitting the open market this offseason, but perhaps none are more important than David Bednar.
Bednar was the most important player in the Yankees bullpen this year, and he is bound to get paid in free agency. The two-time All-Star has been great ever since joining the Yankees, posting a 2.39 ERA in 86 outings. He has 45 saves and is arguably the best reliever on the market.
The Athletic's Jim Bowden predicted Bednar would sign a three-year, $55 million deal in free agency and called the Yankees his best team fit.
"Bednar was a lockdown closer for the Yankees this season, saving 35 games with a 2.47 ERA and 2.61 FIP in 69 1/3 innings with 76 strikeouts," wrote Bowden. "His wipeout split-fingered fastball was responsible for 50 of his strikeouts, as opposing batters hit just .149 against that pitch, and he had an elite chase rate. He proved he could handle pitching in the pressure environment in New York."
The Yankees don't usually spend big on relievers like Bednar, but even at 32 years old, he is deserving of a big payday. The Yankees don't really have a replacement for him right now, and a shutdown closer is not easy to find.
Bednar will draw interest from plenty of teams, but especially big markets if Bowden has the right read on his price tag. The Yankees cannot afford to lose him.