The 2025 MLB All-Star Game is next week, but as exciting as the annual spectacle is, some Detroit Tigers fans are already looking a little further beyond that. After all, this year's trade deadline is quickly approaching on July 31, and the Tigers faithful are hoping to see moves in the coming weeks that will bolster the club's World Series odds.
As great as Will Vest, Brant Hurter, and Tommy Kahnle have performed out of the bullpen, the Tigers could benefit from adding another world-class arm before the deadline. If Detroit ends up seeking another reliever before July is over, one MLB analyst has the perfect name to target.
Tigers Named Perfect Fit for Pirates RHP David Bednar Before Trade Deadline
With all signs pointing to another last-place finish in the NL Central, the Pittsburgh Pirates will likely be sellers until the deadline passes. The Pirates' situation isn't going to change any time soon, which is why ESPN's Jeff Passan could see the Tigers contacting them about veteran closer David Bednar.
"With a high-90s fastball, a hard-breaking curveball and a mean splitter, Bednar's arsenal would give the Tigers a ninth-inning option beyond Will Vest or Tommy Kahnle," Passan wrote.
It wasn't that long ago when Bednar was one of the most dangerous closers in the majors. From 2021 to 2023, the ex-Lafayette College product went 9-8 with a 2.25 ERA and 61 saves, all while averaging 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings. He earned MLB All-Star honors twice during that stretch, and even led the National League with 39 saves in 2023.
Bednar's performance took a huge step back last season, but that's a distant memory as he's returned to form in 2025. The 30-year-old hurler has registered 12 saves and a 2.70 ERA in 34 relief outings so far, tallying 43 strikeouts in 30 innings along the way. He's also limited opposing batters to a .225/.287/.343 slash line, and was just named the NL Reliever of the Month for June.
With one year of arbitration eligibility remaining, Bednar is the perfect short-term target for the Tigers this deadline. They likely wouldn't have to break the bank to add him to their bullpen, especially with the Pirates desperate for any type of prospects that could help brighten their future.
Championship contenders are always on the hunt for pitching help before the playoffs, and Detroit shouldn't be any different. Trading for Bednar is the type of move that could help bring the Tigers' pitching situation to a championship level with one of the sport's best closers in recent years.