The Pittsburgh Pirates closed the 2026 season at 82-80, ending an eight-year streak of losing records while finishing third in the National League Central.

The club sat 21 games behind the division-winning Milwaukee Brewers and was eliminated from playoff contention for the 11th consecutive year.

General manager Ben Cherington now heads into an offseason in which the front office must address several areas if the team hopes to contend in 2027.

Starting pitching and the offense both showed uneven stretches, while the bullpen improved after the trade deadline.

One name circulating as a potential free-agent target is former All-Star closer David Bednar, who is eligible to sign with any club after this season. The Pirates traded the Pittsburgh-area native to the New York Yankees at the 2025 deadline, a move that drew criticism from local fans.

Bednar posted a 7-3 record and 2.47 ERA across 64 appearances for the Yankees in 2026. He converted 35 of 39 save opportunities, his highest total since recording 39 saves for Pittsburgh in 2023.

In 69.1 innings he struck out 76 batters, walked 20 and finished with a 1.04 WHIP.

Since the trade, Bednar has combined for a 2.39 ERA over 94 innings in 86 games with the Yankees, along with 45 saves in 52 chances.

Dominic Campbell of Sports Illustrated wrote, “One player the Pirates should consider is New York Yankees right-handed relief pitcher David Bednar, a free agent after this season.”

Campbell also wrote, “Reuniting with Bednar, a former Pirates pitcher who grew up in the Pittsburgh area, is a decision that would come with emotional benefits, but far more so on the field.”

The Pirates acquired right-hander Luke Weaver from the New York Mets in early August. Weaver remains under team control through the 2027 season.

Mason Montgomery emerged as a frequent late-inning option, going 6-4 with a 2.88 ERA and 18 saves in 68.2 innings. The Pirates’ bullpen as a whole finished with 41 saves.

A rotation of high-leverage arms that included Bednar alongside Montgomery and Weaver would give manager Don Kelly more flexibility in the ninth inning. Bednar’s ground-ball rate and chase numbers ranked among the stronger marks for relievers this season, according to tracking data cited by analysts.

Whether the sides explore a reunion will depend on contract length and the Pirates’ willingness to spend on the bullpen this winter.