The New York Yankees’ bullpen is staring down a total overhaul for 2027, with a massive six relievers about to hit free agency, including their closer, David Bednar. This isn’t just a few tweaks; we’re talking about a bullpen that could look “totally different” next season, and how they handle it is going to set the tone for everything.
Yankees’ Bullpen Nightmare and Bednar’s Future
Losing David Bednar would be a gut punch for the Yankees, plain and simple. The dude’s been a rock, converting 35 of 39 save opportunities this season. He’s one of the most consistent closers in baseball, and letting that walk out the door for nothing would sting. The Yankees do have an option, though: they can slap a qualifying offer on Bednar, which could keep him in New York for at least another year if he accepts it. But if he bounces, Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller put it perfectly, saying this is gonna be a “huge offseason” for their bullpen’s roster construction. Miller even threw out Mason Miller from the Padres as a “dream target” if that conversation is even possible.
Trevor Megill: The Risky Milwaukee Connection
But let’s be real, if Bednar bolts, the spotlight shifts hard to Trevor Megill, the Milwaukee Brewers’ closer. Miller pinpointed him as a guy the Yankees should absolutely target. Megill was an All-Star last year, and honestly, the guy probably “ought to be a three-time reigning All-Star at this point.” That’s high praise! He’s got that nasty combo of a power fastball and a wicked knuckle curve, which helped him punch out 69 batters in just 61.2 innings this season. Megill’s set to hit free agency in 2028, and here’s where it gets interesting: the Brewers have a track record of trading their stars a year before they hit the open market. Remember Josh Hader? Devin Williams? Both were in similar contract situations and got dealt.
Here’s the kicker, though: the Yankees already went after Devin Williams in 2025, and that trade “didn’t pan out how they hoped.” So, going back to Milwaukee for another closer carries some serious baggage. Can they afford for this move to fall flat again? This isn’t just about getting a good arm; it’s about navigating a tricky market with a lot riding on it. The future of that Yankees bullpen, and maybe even their whole season, hinges on whether they can land a big name like Megill and make it actually work this time.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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