​PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 9: Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly #12 looks on from the dugout before the game against the Atlanta Braves at PNC Park on May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Austin Wells #28 and David Bednar #53 of the New York Yankees celebrate the win over the Colorado Rockies at Yankee Stadium on September 08, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The New York Yankees defeated the Colorado Rockies 5-3. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) GettyThe Pittsburgh Pirates had an up-and-down 2026 season. When one phase of the game seemed to be clicking, another would falter in some way. This was especially the case with the bullpen during the first few months of the year. Additionally, the starting pitching wasn’t as consistent as the team would have hoped. Then, the offense suffered injuries and turned relatively average late in the summer.Overall, a lot has to come together in the 2027 offseason to remain competitive. A record of 82-80 likely won’t be good enough to get into the postseason. Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington — if he is retained — has a lot of work to do.One of the positives in the middle of the season came near the trade deadline. The Pirates acquired Luke Weaver, who is under team control through 2027. This gives the bullpen a very solid arm in the backend. However, he would potentially operate better as a true setup man, rather than a closer. Pirates Urged To Bring Back Fan Favorite Closer Pittsburgh made the decision to trade All-Star pitcher David Bednar back in 2025. The team dealt him to the New York Yankees, upsetting the fan base. The closer is from the Steel City, so it was a disappointment when the homegrown talent departed.Dominic Campbell of Sports Illustrated urged the Pirates to sign Bednar once he is eligible to pick a new team. He is set to be a free agent. “One player the Pirates should consider is New York Yankees right-handed relief pitcher David Bednar, a free agent after this season,” Campbell wrote. The Pirates’ relief staff did get better as the season went on. Additionally, many viewed the trade-deadline acquisitions as positive moves. “The Pirates’ bullpen was one area that improved by the end of the season, but the front office shouldn’t just stop at their trade deadline additions and should make more moves this winter,” Campbell 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.” Bringing Bednar back to close for the Pirates would be a very solid move. He might even be willing to take a hometown discount.GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Austin Wells #28 and David Bednar #53 of the New York Yankees celebrate the win over the Colorado Rockies at Yankee Stadium on September 08, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The New York Yankees defe