Major League Baseball teams, Yankees, bolster their bullpen with acquisitions of pitchers: David Bednar (Pirates), Camilo Doval (Giants), and Jake Bird (Rockies) through trades.

Major League Baseball teams, Yankees, bolster their bullpen with acquisitions of pitchers: David Bednar (Pirates), Camilo Doval (Giants), and Jake Bird (Rockies) through trades.

The New York Yankees have made significant moves to bolster their bullpen ahead of the playoff push, acquiring All-Star closers David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Camilo Doval from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline.

To get David Bednar, the Yankees parted ways with three minor league prospects: catcher and first baseman Rafael Flores, catcher Edgleen Perez, and outfielder Brian Sanchez. For Camilo Doval, they sent catcher-third baseman Jesus Rodriguez, right-handed starter Trystan Vrieling, and first baseman Parks Harber to the Giants.

The revamped bullpen potentially looks like this: either Bednar or Devin Williams will serve as closer, with setup roles filled by right-handers Luke Weaver, Camilo Doval, and Bednar or Williams. Jake Bird and others will cover middle relief. Both Bednar and Doval remain under team control for 2026, making them crucial for future bullpen stability.

The Yankees' bullpen had been struggling, ranking 26th in ERA and 29th in WAR since June 1. This overhaul addresses those issues, with Bednar boasting a 2.37 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 38 innings this season, and Doval posting a 3.09 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 46 2⁄3 innings.

The Yankees entered play Thursday four games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East at 59-49. With these acquisitions, they aim to close the gap and secure a spot in the playoffs.

In addition to Bednar and Doval, the Yankees also acquired righty Jacob Bird from the Colorado Rockies. The Pittsburgh Pirates, who traded Bednar, are currently in the NL Central cellar at 47-62.

Notable prospects traded away include Baseball America's 9th-ranked Yankees prospect Rafael Flores, who hit 16 home runs in 97 games this season, and Jesus Rodriguez, ranked 25th in the Yankees' system. The Colorado Rockies received minor-league infielder Roc Riggio and lefty Ben Shields in the trade for Jacob Bird.

The Yankees' bullpen ranks 26th in ERA and 29th in WAR since June 1, but with the addition of Bednar, Doval, and Bird, they hope to turn things around and make a strong push for the playoffs.

1. The New York Yankees have acquired All-Star closers David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Camilo Doval from the San Francisco Giants to bolster their struggling bullpen, with the aim of securing a spot in the playoffs.
2. These acquisitions were made at the trade deadline, with the Yankees parting ways with minor league prospects such as Rafael Flores, Edgleen Perez, Brian Sanchez, Jesus Rodriguez, Trystan Vrieling, and Parks Harber.
3. David Bednar and Camilo Doval have shown impressive performances this season, with Bednar boasting a 2.37 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 38 innings, and Doval posting a 3.09 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 46 2⁄3 innings.
4. With Bednar, Doval, and Jacob Bird now in their bullpen, the Yankees hope to improve their rankings (26th in ERA and 29th in WAR since June 1) and make a strong push for the playoffs, aiming to close the gap with teams like the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East.

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