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Why Brewers fans should keep a close eye on David Bednar's qualifying offer decision with Yankees

The Yankees may soon find themselves in need of a closer.
ByTyler Koerth
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Sep 13, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher David Bednar (53) celebrates with catcher Austin Wells (28) after defeating the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Sep 13, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher David Bednar (53) celebrates with catcher Austin Wells (28) after defeating the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It took less than one week after the Milwaukee Brewers secured a World Series victory over the Tampa Bay Rays before trade rumors surrounding Trevor Megill began to surface. This speculation comes as little surprise, considering the Brewers entertained trade offers for Megill last winter as well before ultimately holding on to their All-Star closer.

Now, a year later, Megill's trade stock is just as high as he is coming off back-to-back regular seasons with at least 30 saves, along with five additional saves during the Brewers' World Series run. He is also entering the final year of team control before becoming a free agent, with MLB Trade Rumors projecting Megill to earn a $9 million salary in arbitration this year -- not bad for an All-Star flame-thrower.

With a probable lockout looming on December 1, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the Brewers' front office is once again going to listen to offers for the 32-year-old closer in the coming weeks. The New York Yankees have emerged as one potential suitor for Megill, though their level of interest ultimately hinges on whether or not their current closer, David Bednar, accepts the team's qualifying offer.

David Bednar's qualifying offer decision to have major impact on Yankees' trade interest in Brewers' closer Trevor Megill

The eight MLB players who received a qualifying offer last week, which includes Brewers' first baseman Jake Bauers and Bednar, the Yankees' closer, have until November 17 to decide if they want to accept the one-year, $23.15 million salary for the 2027 season or enter free agency. Bednar is coming off a season with New York where he racked up 35 saves over 69.1 innings with just a 2.47 ERA.

If Bednar accepts the qualifying offer, he would surpass Edwin Díaz's $23.01 million average annual salary as the highest single-season salary ever earned by a reliever. The alternative is to pursue a multi-year contract. Despite being the top closer available this offseason, the caveat with said alternative is that he would still likely have to settle for a lower annual average salary than the qualifying offer, but secure more guaranteed money over the life of the deal.

At 32 years old, Bednar faces an important decision, made even more complicated by uncertainty surrounding baseball's financial landscape and the looming potential work stoppage. However, his decision could ultimately determine whether the Yankees pursue Megill.

If Bednar accepts the qualifying offer and returns to New York, the Yankees may have little reason to pursue another closer on the trade market. However, if he declines, Brian Cashman could once again find himself on the phone with Brewers' front office head Matt Arnold to discuss a deal for a ninth-inning arm. Such a move would bring a sense of déjà vu, as the two previously negotiated a trade that sent All-Star closer Devin Williams to New York for Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin.

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