Will

Bednar

It’s not what you want to hear, especially since Bednar has been dealing with persistent back issues for the last year, which limited him to just four appearances this past season in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League. The 23-year-old right-hander was the Giants’ first-round pick back in 2021 and appears far off from ascending to the majors at this point.

The Giants are taking the precautionary measure, which obviously makes sense at this point in the year. Bednar was the first-round pick for San Francisco back in 2021 -- 14th overall -- and is one of the better prospects in the system. He should be good to go for spring training, and has a chance to make starts for San Francisco at some point in 2023.

Bednar allowed two hits, and didn’t issue a walk. The right-hander is off to a solid start in his first full professional season with a 14/3 K/BB ratio and 2.38 ERA in just under 12 innings. Drafted with the 14th pick out of Mississippi State, the brother of Pirates reliever David Bednar has three pitches that will get up to plus in his fastball, curve and change. He also throws all three of these offerings for strikes, and the command isn’t far behind the control. The Giants have done a quality job of developing arms like this, and because of his advanced stuff, Bednar has a chance to reach the majors by the end of 2023. Just keep in mind that he’s more high-floor than high-ceiling.

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle says that the deal will be officially announced later Friday. It’s not clear what Bednar’s bonus will be, but there’s a $4.0368 million slot value for the No. 14 overall pick. Bednar starred during Mississippi State’s run to the College World Series and should be a fast-mover.

Bednar was last on the mound helping the Bulldogs win the College World Series. The right-hander has the ability to command four pitches, but he mostly relies on two; a low-to-mid 90s fastball with spin, and a slider that can bare into the hands of left-handed hitters. He also shows a decent change, and he’ll mix in a slower curve. Bednar doesn’t have an elite upside profile, but it’s a high floor; one that could help the Giants’ rotation in a couple of years.