Photo: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

David Bednar is Tailor-Made to be Next Cubs Closer

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Bobby Foster | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 5:14 PM ET

It's no secret that the upcoming trade deadline will be interesting for the Chicago Cubs. Sitting atop the NL Central, there is still room for reinforcements to this playoff-caliber team.

Among the needs for October is a high-leverage veteran reliever. Daniel Palencia has performed well as a closer this season with nine saves, but closing out games in October is a whole other animal for someone who's only been in the role for a couple of months.

Even as a member of the disaster that is the Pittsburgh Pirates, David Bednar is still a veteran arm that could unlock the bullpen as a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.

Bednar's 2025 season has been up and down. In the early stages, the right-hander was rough to the point that he was sent down to Triple-A Indianapolis to get back on track.

Ever since his return to the big leagues, he has been the usual Bednar that fans are accustomed to seeing. As the Pirates continue to tread the line of mediocrity, there will be a boiling point for the team to unload some of its better assets finally.

Interdivisional trades aren't too common, but that doesn't appear to be stopping the Cubs as they continue to have discussions about Pirates' players. If the Cubs can get Bednar and Mitch Keller, Jed Hoyer can solve two big weaknesses heading into the second half of the season.

"When it comes to acquiring depth, we're on the lookout."

Jed Hoyer describes the Cubs' approach to the trade deadline. pic.twitter.com/idAGe7tbOq
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) July 1, 2025

The Cubs seem absolutely determined to push all their chips in for the 2025 season. With the front office and its prized trade acquisition in Kyle Tucker all in their walk years, the urgency has never been higher.

David Bednar is a veteran closer that the team can definitely acquire to show that they mean business. Even with the bullpen being solid, it lacks experience in high-leverage situations as a whole.

The best way to add to its success is to bring in as many veteran options as it can. For Bednar, he can finally show his All-Star talents on a bigger and better stage for his career.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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