Yankees’ 5-Player Trade Addition Could Replace David Bednar Amid Struggles

BusinessSportsMoneyYankees’ 5-Player Trade Addition Could Replace David Bednar Amid StrugglesByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorMay 21, 2026, 06:00am EDTNEW YORK, NY - MAY 03: David Bednar #53 of the New York Yankees pitches during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on May 3, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe New York Yankees seemed likely to field one of the sport’s best offenses when it became clear they would return this season with most of their roster from last year intact.And, just like last season, the team has been a Major League Baseball leader in total home runs, runs batted in and slugging percentage. But more surprising has been the team’s dominant pitching staff, which is preparing to welcome significant reinforcement this week.“Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, sidelined since undergoing Tommy John surgery last year, will make his season debut Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays,” Jorge Castillo reported for ESPN. “Cole will join a rotation with the fourth-best ERA in the majors entering Tuesday led by Cam Schlittler, who made his major league debut during Cole's absence and holds the best ERA in baseball in his first full major league season.”ForbesDodgers’ Mookie Betts Sends Shohei Ohtani Message As Concerns MountBy Peter ChawagaNew York Yankees Closer David Bednar Could Be Replaced Amid StrugglesBut while the Yankees’ starting pitching staff has enjoyed a strong season so far, even without Cole, its bullpen counterparts haven’t been so successful.The team has few high-leverage relievers that manager Aaron Boone can trust in the ninth inning, and that was on display during the team’s Tuesday win against the Toronto Blue Jays.Camilo Doval was called upon to fill in for go-to closer David Bednar, who had struggled in back-to-back outings against...