The Chicago Cubs might be getting ready for an additional vital bullpen funding this offseason, and one MLB analyst believes they might land an All-Star nearer from the New York Yankees.
David Bednar is getting into free company following a superb 2026 marketing campaign, and Chicago has been predicted to signal the veteran right-hander to a three-year, $54 million contract.
The potential addition comes after a troublesome season for the Cubs‘ reduction corps, which struggled with accidents and inconsistency all year long.
Chicago has already introduced again Jacob Webb for 2027, however including Bednar may give supervisor Craig Counsell a extra established possibility within the ninth inning.
The prediction additionally comes because the Yankees try and retain one in all their most essential pitchers, doubtlessly establishing an intriguing free-agent battle.
Cubs Predicted to Signal David Bednar in $54 Million Deal
In his November 3 MLB free-agent predictions for SB Nation’s Royals Evaluation, Max Rieper projected that Bednar would go away New York and signal a three-year, $54 million contract with Chicago.
Rieper recognized the Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, and Yankees as potential suitors earlier than in the end deciding on Chicago.
The analyst described Bednar as the highest confirmed nearer out there on this yr’s free-agent class, noting {that a} comparatively skinny marketplace for established relievers may push his contract worth larger.
Bednar completed the 2026 season with a 7-3 report, 35 saves and a 2.47 ERA throughout 64 appearances. The 2-time All-Star additionally recorded 76 strikeouts in 69 1/3 innings.
The 32-year-old joined the Yankees in a commerce with the Pittsburgh Pirates in the course of the 2025 season and has emerged as a dependable late-inning possibility in New York.
Nevertheless, retaining him may show costly.
The Yankees prolonged Bednar a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying supply on November 2.
He has till November 17 to just accept or reject the supply, though the Yankees can proceed negotiating a longer-term contract.
Rieper’s prediction doesn’t set up that Chicago has contacted Bednar or entered negotiations together with his representatives.
However, the projected signing addresses a real want for the Cubs.
Cubs May Handle Main Bullpen Issues With Yankees All-Star
Chicago’s bullpen was a major drawback all through the 2026 marketing campaign, with accidents forcing Counsell to experiment with totally different late-inning choices.
Former nearer Daniel Palencia missed greater than two months with an elbow harm, whereas Webb took over ninth-inning tasks earlier than struggling down the stretch.
Webb in the end completed the season with 9 saves and a 3.36 ERA, however he additionally blew a number of essential alternatives late within the yr.
Chicago re-signed Webb on November 2 to a one-year, $2 million settlement that includes a membership possibility for 2028.
The transfer gives some stability, though it doesn’t essentially get rid of the necessity for an additional established reliever.
The Cubs wish to construct on a constructive 2026 season that noticed Pete Crow-Armstrong emerge as a famous person.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer acknowledged the bullpen’s shortcomings throughout his end-of-season press convention, telling reporters that he had completed a poor job assembling the unit.
Hoyer’s feedback, as reported by the Chicago Solar-Occasions, recommend bettering the reduction corps might be an essential offseason precedence.
Signing Bednar would give Chicago an skilled nearer whereas doubtlessly permitting Webb and Palencia to work in different high-leverage conditions.
The Yankees stay involved in retaining their nearer, that means Chicago would possible face significant competitors if it pursued Rieper’s projected $54 million deal.
For a Cubs staff seeking to clear up one in all its greatest weaknesses, Bednar may characterize an costly however doubtlessly impactful answer because the staff seems to be to take the subsequent step in 2027.
Like HEAVY’s content material? You’ll want to observe us.
This text was initially revealed on HEAVY
The put up Cubs Predicted to Signal Yankees’ All-Star Nearer in $54 Million Deal appeared first on HEAVY.
