2022-2023 saw Bednar be named to the All-Star team twice, recording a National League best 39 saves in the latter year. ‘23 was arguably his best season, finishing with a 2.00 ERA and 80 strikeouts, holding opposing batters to a .215 average.

His demotion on Tuesday should be a cautionary tale — in a couple of different ways — for teams when it comes to dealing with relief pitchers and high-end closers.