Sun Apr 06 16:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Pirates Demote Bednar, Designate Delay for Assignment

**Pittsburgh, PA – April 1, 2025** – The Pittsburgh Pirates announced a pair of roster moves today, optioning struggling closer David Bednar to Triple-A Indianapolis and designating catcher Jason Delay for assignment. These moves correspond to the earlier reported call-up of pitching prospect Thomas Harrington.

Bednar, a Pittsburgh native and former fan favorite, has experienced a sharp decline in performance since his dominant 2021-2023 seasons. While he boasted a 2.25 ERA and impressive strikeout numbers over those years, his 2024 ERA ballooned to 5.77, and his early 2025 appearances have been similarly disastrous, including a blown save on Opening Day. Despite maintaining high fastball velocity, his effectiveness has plummeted. The Pirates hope a stint in Indianapolis will allow Bednar to regain his form away from the pressure of the major leagues. Colin Holderman and Dennis Santana are expected to assume closing duties in his absence.

The demotion is unlikely to significantly impact Bednar’s path to free agency, as he is close to accruing five years of major league service time. However, an extended stay in the minors could theoretically give the Pirates an extra year of control, though this scenario hinges on Bednar’s poor performance at Triple-A, potentially making him less likely to receive an arbitration contract.

Delay, a solid backup catcher for the Pirates over the past few years, finds himself surplus to requirements due to the team’s improved catching depth with the return of Endy Rodríguez and the breakout of Joey Bart. The Pirates have one week to trade Delay or release him.

The moves have sparked renewed debate among fans and analysts regarding the Pirates’ handling of their star closer. While some believe the team should have traded Bednar while his value was high, others point to the challenges of rebuilding a team and the sentimental value of keeping a local hero. The situation serves as a cautionary tale for teams considering the long-term retention of high-profile relievers.

Read More