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Cubs Trade Pitch Nets Struggling Pirates All-Star Closer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 1:29 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs offense has been off to a roaring start to the 2025 MLB season. Meanwhile, the bullpen has been struggling. This trade pitch has the Cubs looking to add bullpen depth in a former two-time All-Star from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

For this trade pitch, the Cubs and Pirates swing a rare intra-division trade, where the Pirates send former All-Star close David Bednar to the Cubs. Buying on Bednar now is the best time, as his recent struggles have lowered his cost.

Bednar's struggles started in 2024, as he threw 57 and two-thirds innings with a 5.77 ERA. After his 27.00 ERA in just one inning pitched in 2025, the Pirates sent him down to the Minor Leagues to see if he could find his groove back.

This trade pitch has the Cubs swooping in, and buying Bednar at his lowest value, to give him fresh scenery in hopes of reaching his three-year stretch from 2021 to 2023.

Bednar got his first full-time opportunity in the Major Leagues in 2021 and got off to a very strong start. In 60 and two-thirds innings pitched, Bednar had a 2.23 ERA and finished eighth in Rookie of the Year voting.

While he took a step back in 2022, it was a very small decline. He threw 51 and two-thirds innings with a 2.61 ERA. In 2022, Bednar got 19 saves, the most in his career. Most importantly, he was named to the All-Star team. But, his best season was in 2023.

Bednar had a massive 2023 season, finishing with a 2.00 ERA in 67 and one-third innings pitched. He led the league in saves with 39, and ended with 80 strikeouts, the most in a season for Bednar. He also had a 224 ERA plus, the highest of his career. With such a dominant season, his All-Star selection wasn't a surprise.

However, the nose-dive in 2024 was what gave pause to his success. After a rough start to 2025, Bednar is nowhere near as valued as he once was. Now is the perfect time for the Cubs to strike.

Making a move for Bednar now wouldn't cost much, and would net the Cubs a valuable bullpen piece with a strong history. The 30-year-old wouldn't cost much and would be a great fit for the Cubs bullpen.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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