Yankees' expected David Bednar decision could complicate Cubs' bullpen plans

The Chicago Cubs have needs across the entire pitching staff this offseason, but it would seem there will be an added focus on the bullpen. The Cubs' bullpen was patched together last season, and if all goes well this offseason, they will have another high-leverage option added to the mix. One of those options could be David Bednar, but the New York Yankees' plans may complicate the process.

Running through the list of qualifying offer decisions, the New York Post's Jon Heyman reports the Yankees are expected to extend the offer to Bednar. That would put the Cubs in risk of giving up draft-pick compensation and potentially international bonus pool money if they were to be the team that signs Bednar.

Bednar is someone the Cubs have loosely been connected to over the years. For years, he was the lock-down closer at the back of the Pittsburgh Pirates' bullpen, but when he struggled in 2024, there was some thought of the Cubs making a buy-low trade with their division rival.

Instead, he rebounded with the Pirates in 2025, posting an ERA of 2.37 before being traded to the New York Yankees at the deadline. Upon his arrival in New York, he's been excellent. This season, he posted an ERA of 2.47 with 35 saves. His fastball sat in the middle 90s, and he struck out over 27% of the hitters he faced this year.

David Bednar's potential qualifying offer creates a new headache for Cubs

In his current form, Bednar is the type of pitcher the Cubs lacked in their bullpen for most of last season. Targeting him would give the Cubs a defined closer, pushing the likes of Daniel Palencia, Ryan Zeferjahn, and Jacob Webb down a peg in the bullpen order. Ultimately, that may be the best outcome for the Cubs' bullpen plans this season, considering how often Craig Counsell had to go to the drawing board late in games in 2026.

As for whether or not the qualifying offer would deter the Cubs from pursuing Bednar, it's possible it doesn't. The Cubs are expected to extend their qualifying offer to Seiya Suzuki, and assuming he declines, they would be in line for a draft pick after the fourth round of the 2027 MLB Draft. That could put the front office at ease with the idea of losing a draft pick if they were to sign Bednar this offseason.

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