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2024 Player Outlook

2023 Recap: Bednar has been excellent for fantasy managers and the Pirates over the last couple of seasons. In 2023, he had his best season yet, posting a 2.00 ERA (2.53 FIP) with a 28.9 percent strikeout rate, and he converted 39-of-42 save opportunities. His 0.40 HR/9 was the lowest of his career, though his 45.9 percent fly ball rate was the second-highest mark of his career. Fortunately, he posted a miniscule 3.8 percent HR/FB rate, so the added fly balls didn't hurt him. 

2024 Outlook: Pittsburgh brought in Aroldis Chapman in the offseason, but Bednar's 2023 season should give him the lead for the closer job to begin the 2024 season. Chapman should see some save opportunities, especially as Pittsburgh likely looks to deal the veteran southpaw at the trade deadline, but this Pittsburgh team should be half-decent, paving the way for another big season for Bednar. There is slightly more risk with Bednar this year than previous seasons, as there is another legitimate option for Pittsburgh in the ninth inning, but at least to begin the year, there's no reason Pittsburgh shouldn't give Bednar the majority of the save chances.