Top NL contender has its eyes set on two huge bullpen arms the Cubs also covet

The trade deadline is just weeks away and the Chicago Cubs are expected to be among the most active buyers in the league. Entering Saturday a season-high 18 games over .500, Craig Counsell's club has overcome a rash of starting rotation injuries, thanks to a high-powered offense and impressive bullpen mix.

As dominant as that pen has been, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer isn't ruling out external additions to further bolster their depth. Of course, one challenge is the lack of roster flexibility with the current relievers - minor league options are scarce, which complicates finding room for a new face.

Even so, one name that has already been connected to the Cubs is former Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star David Bednar, who re-established himself in 2025 as a shutdown ninth-inning presence. The right-hander is punching out nearly 13 batters per nine this year, working to a 2.15 FIP in 29 2/3 frames of work.

Acquiring him would give Counsell multiple ninth-inning options down the stretch and into October - but as one of the top relief arms available, Bednar - along with teammate Dennis Santana - figure to be two of the most popular names with prospective buyers, including, it would seem, the Philadelphia Phillies.

Phillies desperately need bullpen help if they want to win a title

Philadelphia relievers ranks 24th in MLB with a 4.41 ERA entering Saturday - and the bullpen is a clear area of need for a Phillies team desperate to finally get over the hump and deliver its first World Series championship since 2008. With a number of key players, most notably Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto, hitting free agency at year's end, the clock is ticking on Dave Dombrowski's efforts to get the job done.

In his career, Dombrowski has built a reputation as an executive willing to do whatever it takes to get the missing piece his teams need and there's no reason to think this deadline will be any different. Given the Cubs' more pressing need in the rotation, Hoyer could very well pivot his focus to another Pirates pitcher in right-hander Mitch Keller, who could slot into the rotation spot opened by Jameson Taillon's recent injury.

With Santana and Bednar being described recently as 'all but gone' and a potential package deal, the Pirates could command a hefty return for their two late-inning weapons. Keep those names on your list as the trade deadline nears, because we're going to be hearing plenty about them in the coming weeks.