The Yankees have a hole at closer, and the way they fill it could come down to dollars as much as performance.
New York extended David Bednar a $23.15 million qualifying offer, but if he turns that down and lands elsewhere, the club will need another answer at the back end of the bullpen. Brian Cashman has already made clear the relief corps is a “priority” this offseason, and Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly floated a trade that would give the Yankees a cheaper path.
Kelly’s idea has New York targeting Milwaukee Brewers closer Trevor Megill.
“With a bullpen that includes Abner Uribe, Aaron Ashby and DL Hall, the Brewers could withstand the loss of [Trevor] Megill.
Former AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil would be an interesting player to target in return for Megill, even if he carries significant injury risk. [Luis] Gil still has two years remaining before free agency, and could be a weapon as a starter or a reliever,” Kelly wrote.
Megill finished the 2026 World Series by recording the final out and turned in a regular season line of a 2.63 ERA with 30 saves in 63 appearances. Kelly also pointed out the financial appeal for New York, noting the Yankees could avoid a contract for Bednar that would climb past $50 million.
“Nonetheless, we’re projecting New York’s other team, the Yankees, to acquire Megill from the Brewers. B/R has projected that it will take a three-year, $55.5 million deal with a $15 million club option for a fourth season for the Yankees to re-sign David Bednar in free agency.
Alternatively, Brian Cashman could trade for Megill, who will pitch next season at 33, only a year older than Bednar. Megill would only be a one-year commitment, and the Yankees would get draft-pick compensation back for Bednar, assuming he declines the qualifying offer and signs elsewhere,” Kelly added.
Bednar gave the Yankees steady work in the ninth inning, but Megill would give Cashman a lower-cost alternative while leaving more room to address the offense, which remains the front office’s bigger winter task.
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