Yankees closer now leads majors in saves

The New York Yankees had to come from behind in their win on Tuesday against the Athletics, 5-3. Thanks to a two-home run outing from third baseman Amed Rosario, they improve to 8-2 on the young season. They now hold a 3.5-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East.

Coming from behind is obviously the biggest storyline from the game,  but there was something else that happened at the conclusion. Closer David Bednar, who had some very high expectations entering this season, stepped up in the ninth inning and slammed the door on the Athletics. 

It might sound like another day at the office, but this save moves Bednar into the lead of every closer in Major League Baseball. With five saves on the year, he now stands alone. Well, for now anyway. 

Going into the season, Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz was the favorite to be the saves king, with San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller right behind him as the runner-up. But Bednar has a chance to overtake them both and keep this hot start alive throughout the summer.  

Bednar’s career-high in saves came back in 2023, as he was a part of the Pittsburgh Pirates. That season, he finished in second place with 39 saves, behind Emmanuel Clase, who had 44 that season. With five already credited to him in just 10 games, he is on pace for 81 saves this season. 

Obviously, the chances of that happening are very slim, but with how things are going for Bednar and the red-hot Yankees, it is not impossible. 

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