The Chicago Cubs might be getting ready for one more vital bullpen funding this offseason, and one MLB analyst believes they may 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 tough 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 choice within the ninth inning.
The prediction additionally comes because the Yankees try to retain one among their most vital pitchers, doubtlessly organising 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 Assessment, 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 choosing Chicago.
The analyst described Bednar as the highest confirmed nearer accessible on this 12 months’s free-agent class, noting {that a} comparatively skinny marketplace for established relievers may push his contract worth increased.
Bednar completed the 2026 season with a 7-3 file, 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 choice in New York.
Nonetheless, 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 simply 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 along with his representatives.
However, the projected signing addresses a real want for the Cubs.
Cubs Might Tackle 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 obligations 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 vital alternatives late within the 12 months.
Chicago re-signed Webb on November 2 to a one-year, $2 million settlement that includes a membership choice for 2028.
The transfer gives some stability, though it doesn’t essentially eradicate the necessity for one more established reliever.
The Cubs want to construct on a optimistic 2026 season that noticed Pete Crow-Armstrong emerge as a celebrity.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer acknowledged the bullpen’s shortcomings throughout his end-of-season press convention, telling reporters that he had finished a poor job assembling the unit.
Hoyer’s feedback, as reported by the Chicago Solar-Instances, recommend enhancing the reduction corps will probably be an vital 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 fascinated with retaining their nearer, which means Chicago would seemingly face significant competitors if it pursued Rieper’s projected $54 million deal.
For a Cubs crew trying to remedy one among its greatest weaknesses, Bednar may signify an costly however doubtlessly impactful resolution because the crew appears to take the following step in 2027.
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