David Bednar could help the Blue Jays build a super bullpen in 2027. The former Yankees closer is one of the top relievers on the free-agent market.

Toronto's bullpen was a rare bright spot in 2026. Its 3.58 ERA ranked seventh in MLB.

Bednar would push it even higher. Since arriving in the Bronx in August 2025, he's converted 45 of 52 save chances.

He converted 90% of his save attempts in 2026 alone, with a 27.1% strikeout rate.

His curveball did most of the damage. It produced a 39.5% whiff rate, and his chase rate ranked in the 99th percentile.

Any red flags? One.

David Bednar's price tag tests the Blue Jays' bullpen budget

His strikeout rate dropped 7.2 percentage points from the year before. Hitters were still chasing, but they weren't missing as often.

The bigger issue is cost. Spotrac projects three years and $47.1 million, while ESPN's Kiley McDaniel sees three years and $60 million.

That would far exceed what Toronto paid Jeff Hoffman, who signed for three years and $33 million.

Bednar wouldn't necessarily close. Louis Varland already owns the ninth inning, with Tyler Rogers and Spencer Miles behind him.

Adding him could free Miles to try the rotation full-time, giving the Jays more flexibility with their pitching depth.

It's a luxury the Jays can't afford right now. Toronto finished last in runs, and spending closer money on a fourth high-leverage arm while the lineup stays broken is backward.

Signing Bednar now is like adding a sunroof to a car with a flat tire. Nice feature, wrong priority.

If Ross Atkins lands Seiya Suzuki and a second big bat first, a bullpen splash makes sense. Until then, Bednar is a want, not a need.