EASTON, Pa. — Former Lafayette College standout David Bednar '17 is set to return to the global stage as a member of Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This marks the second consecutive tournament selection for the right-handed pitcher.

Bednar was part of a major talent infusion for the United States roster announced this winter. He joins a pitching staff that includes 2025 Cy Young winners Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes, along with fellow Yankee outfielder Aaron Judge, as the American squad looks to reclaim the championship after a runner-up finish in 2023.

The selection follows a resurgent 2025 campaign for Bednar, who split the season between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees. After a mid-season trade to New York, the reliever bolstered the back end of the Yankees' bullpen. During the 2025 regular season, Bednar appeared in 64 games, posting a 6-5 record with a 2.30 ERA. He recorded 27 saves and struck out a career-high 86 batters over 62.2 innings of work.

During his three seasons with the Leopards from 2014 to 2016, Bednar recorded 188 strikeouts, a mark that ranks fourth in the program's all-time history. Bednar led the Leopards in ERA and strikeouts during his final two seasons before being selected by the San Diego Padres in the 35th round of the 2016 MLB Draft.

Team USA is scheduled to begin pool play at Daikin Park, the home of the Houston Astros, on Friday, March 6. Bednar is expected to serve as a high-leverage option in a bullpen that features several of the league's premier closers.