Tigers contacted Pirates about 2.37 ERA two-time All-Star closer

Even after the Detroit Tigers landed Chris Paddack and Randy Dobnak from the Minnesota Twins, the team is still searching for more pitching help. Specifically, the team is targeting a closer to bolster the back-end of their bullpen.

According to Noah Hiles of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Tigers are one of many teams that have contacted the Pirates about the availability of two-time All-Star David Bednar.

"The Tigers, Phillies, and Rangers are three clubs that have contacted the Pirates about Bednar." Hiles writes. "With a handful of others likely interested, general manager Ben Cherington is looking to sell high on his blue chip bullpen asset."

While Detroit may have to pay a decent sum to land Bednar from the Pirates, it's not going to cost one of their top five prospects, who the Tigers have deemed untouchable. 

But, one of their top ten prospects might be the start of a deal in trying to bring Bednar to Detroit. With the recent struggles of Tommy Kahnle and the rest of the bullpen being so shaky, the team needs to bolster its bullpen badly.

MORE: Tigers trade for Twins' 4.95 ERA starter for minor leaguer

Bednar, a two-time All-Star who's in the middle of a solid season in 2025, would be a good option for the Tigers to add. He has a 2.37 ERA this season across 38 innings pitched with 17 saves and 51 strikeouts.

From May 24th until July 26th, Bednar, across 23 outings, didn't allow a single earned run. He finally gave up his first earned run in two months to the San Francisco Giants, but still managed to secure the save for Pittsburgh.

The 2023 NL saves leader is one of the top options on the market. With Emmanuel Clase on non-disciplinary leave and Cade Smith likely off the trade block, Bednar is one of the best relievers available.

He's under team control for 2026 as well, so Detroit, which is looking to contend next season as well, could bring in Bednar for the next two seasons for a postseason run in 2025, and another potentia run in 2026.

Hiles' report suggests that the Tigers are going beyond simple interest; they're making calls to the Pirates to try and land the 30-year-old closer. He won't be cheap, but he's a much more realistic target than some of the other top names on the market.

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