PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – You start out in the majors, just excited to be there. It doesn't matter what you make. Knowing you can't control it, you are having fun. You haven't really dealt with the financial side of the game. That changes this offseason for Pirates closer David Bednar. The two-time All-Star enters arbitration for the first time.
Former Bucco Jack Wilson said his arbitration hearing was one of the worst experiences of his life. If it were to go to a hearing, you have to listen as the team tells a judge all the things they hate about you and you have to defend all you do well.
Bednar made $745,000 last year, which was 24th among closers last season. The Mets Edwin Diaz is the top end at nearly $20 million, a top 10 closer is worth at least $7 million (Carlos Estevez, 10th with LAA at $6.75 million).
The 28-year-old had 39 saves, that is second only to Cleveland's Emmanuel Clase with 44 and tops in the National League with Camilo Doval (SF). None of the top 16 closers had fewer blown saves than Bednar's three.
What will the arbitration number be? Are the Pirates interested in a long-term contract? How will Bednar feel about the process if they are bickering about a relatively low amount (see Gerrit Cole)? Do they risk alienating a player who not only is local, but represents the best of the team as the two-time Roberto Clemente Award nominee?
GM Ben Cherington would only say there is nothing but good that comes from players doing good things on the field. It helps the Pirates and helps them. He says they root for that and understand when players are successful they earn more and it's good for them. It's a long way of saying he wasn't going to tip their hand as to their plan heading into the offseason. Cherington added they are early in those conversations and will have plenty more over the next few months.
Bednar says he hasn't gotten that far ahead.
"Probably let the offseason sink in before I start thinking of that stuff," Bednar said. "I will digest this season and go from there. It's all the business side of it and will leave it up to my agent."
Probably doesn't need to be said that he wants to remain in Pittsburgh. Manager Derek Shelton talked often about his importance, not only in his role as a player, but in the clubhouse. It's not that they risk losing him, he's under control until 2027, what they offer him might not just impact him, but will be watched by others in the organization and outside.
It doesn't seem like it's weighing heavy on Bednar's mind. He's excited about the future of this team and what he saw from his new teammates down the stretch.
"I think it was very important to finish the season strong and learn how to win as a group with some of the young guys, gelling as a team," Bednar said. "It was really cool to watch some guys progress, develop and grind some games out. We went into some tough environments and were able to get some big wins against some teams that were in it. I think it was huge for this group as a whole and to go into the offseason with some positive momentum and carry it into next year."
"It's something we are really going to build off of going into Spring Training. I'm definitely looking forward to it. A lot of promise."
Bednar said his saves come from the hard work and grind of the entire team. He just wants to finish out wins and help the organization he saw as a teenager capture the town with three straight post-season appearances, become a winner again.
There are a variety of ways the Pirates can go with Bednar's future. How will Bucs management handle an All-Star in arbitration?
