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Cubs could miss out on an ideal bullpen target thanks to the Brewers

The Brewers are the reason the Cubs could whiff on this ideal bullpen target.
ByPat Ragazzo
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Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Trevor Megill (29) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning during Game 5 of the World Series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. on Oct 28, 2026. - Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Trevor Megill (29) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning during Game 5 of the World Series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. on Oct 28, 2026. - Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Chicago Cubs need to add a true closer this offseason, but don't expect them to get the best option on the trade market. It's bad enough for Cubs fans that the Milwaukee Brewers won the World Series in October. The Brewers now may trade their All-Star closer this winter, however, it won't be to the NL Central rival Cubs.

Trevor Megill is entering his final year of arbitration in 2027, and ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the Brewers "will at least listen" to trade offers for him this offseason. The Cubs would love to have Megill, who has saved 60 games across the past two seasons, but the Brewers probably won't send him to their division rivals.

Trevor Megill is the perfect fit for the Cubs

The Cubs don't typically lock down relievers to long-term deals, which is why one year of Megill would be the perfect fit for Chicago. Megill recorded the final out of the World Series for the Brewers, and during the regular season he posted a 2.63 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 1.85 FIP, 69 strikeouts, 30 saves and a 1.8 bWAR.

Daniel Palencia cannot be counted on as the closer after an injury plagued campaign, where he missed several months with an oblique strain and right elbow inflammation. Jacob Webb and trade deadline pickup Ryan Zeferjahn combined for 12 saves, but are better suited for setup roles. Megill would be an easy bullpen solution for the Cubs.

If the Cubs were to acquire Megill, he would immediately slot in as their closer. But as previously mentioned, the Brewers are unlikely to make an intra-division trade that would send their prized ninth inning man to the Cubs. If they did, it would cost the Cubs a premium in assets.

Megill began his MLB career with the Cubs in 2021, posting an 8.37 ERA in 28 appearances after making his big league debut. The Cubs let Megill go to the Minnesota Twins on waivers, and they now are kicking themselves over it.

The more realistic route for the Cubs to bring back Megill is to go against their preferences and sign him in free agency following the 2027 season. Making a trade with their division rivals for their elite closer is a move that probably won't come to fruition.

The Cubs will likely miss out on an ideal bullpen target in Megill and it's all thanks to the Brewers, who were just crowned as champions of baseball last month.

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