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The MLB season will always bring unexpected developments, and the Pittsburgh Pirates’ latest bullpen move is no exception. In a significant shake-up, the team has optioned former closer David Bednar to Triple-A, reshaping their late-inning hierarchy and prompting fantasy baseball managers to reassess their rosters.
Bednar’s struggles lead to demotion
Bednar (pictured above), previously a staple in the Pirates’ bullpen and a two-time All-Star, has struggled with his command this season, leading to an inflated ERA and diminished effectiveness in save situations. His struggles date back to last season when he posted a 5.77 ERA, saw his strikeout rate dip to 22.1%, and lost the closer role for the final month.
The start of 2025 hasn’t been kinder. In his first three appearances, he surrendered multiple late-game leads, including a walk-off loss on Opening Day and another blown save soon after. Despite no noticeable dip in velocity—his fastball even ticked up from 96.6 mph in 2023 to 97.2 mph last year—his effectiveness has waned, with opponents hitting his fastball harder than before. Rather than letting him continue to struggle at the MLB level, the Pirates have opted to send him down in hopes he can regain his form.
Pirates’ new bullpen hierarchy
With Bednar now in the minors, the Pirates will likely turn to Dennis Santana as their primary closer. Santana, who has shown promise in late-game situations, now has the opportunity to solidify himself as a trusted ninth-inning arm. His backup is Colin Holderman, who has already blown two saves, but has previously been a reliable option in high-leverage spots. The other name to watch is Caleb Ferguson, a lefty with closing experience.
Here’s a look at the Pirates’ line in the latest update of the Closer Chart (* – denotes committee):
| Team | Current closer | Backup | Next option | Dark horse | Closer of the Future |
| Pirates | Dennis Santana* | Colin Holderman* | David Bednar (AAA) | Caleb Ferguson* | David Matoma |
Bender taking the early lead
Meanwhile, in Miami, Anthony Bender is making an early case for the Marlins’ closer role. Bender retired the only two batters he faced to earn a save against the Mets on Tuesday, needing just four pitches to secure a 4-2 win after Anthony Veneziano got into trouble. He has now logged 2.2 scoreless innings across three appearances, making him the first Marlin to record a save this season. With Miami’s bullpen still in flux, Bender could be emerging as their go-to option in the ninth inning.
Here’s a look at the Marlins’ line in the latest update of the Closer Chart (* – denotes committee):
| Team | Current closer | Backup | Next option | Dark horse | Closer of the Future |
| Marlins | Anthony Bender* | Calvin Faucher* | Jesus Tinoco (IL) | Anthony Veneziano | Josh Ekness |
Fantasy impact
Fantasy managers who rostered Bednar should look to add Santana immediately, as he appears to have the inside track for saves in Pittsburgh. Holderman is another speculative pickup, while Ferguson offers intriguing upside as a dark horse candidate. Bednar remains worth stashing in deeper leagues, as he could reclaim his role later in the season if he bounces back in Triple-A.
Bender is a must-add in leagues where saves are at a premium. Calvin Faucher is the top backup option and could also see save chances, while Jesus Tinoco (once healthy) may enter the mix. Anthony Veneziano remains a dark horse candidate, but for now, Bender looks like the best bet for Miami’s saves moving forward.
Updates all year long
Keep checking back with us as we update the bullpen situations for all MLB teams as news happens.