The Chicago Cubs have won nine of their first 15 games and look to grow their lead in the National League Central. However, the bullpen may be holding them back.
Only four relievers who have made three-plus appearances currently have an ERA of 4.00 or less. That's a recipe for disaster, and the team needs to fix things as soon as possible.
Matthew Sullivan of Athlon Sports believes one solution could be in the NL Central despite this All-Star closer struggling as of late.
David Bednar had a poor start this season and was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis by the Pirates, but a fresh start could be exactly what he needs.
"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," wrote Sullivan. "Buying on Bednar now is the best time, as his recent struggles have lowered his cost."
Bednar certainly benefited from a change of scenery when he was acquired by the Pirates before the 2021 season. He recorded a 2.23 ERA in 2021 with the Pirates after struggling with the Padres during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
Currently, the 30-year-old right hander has two years of team control left before becoming a free agent in 2027. Given that Bednar would not be a rental, the Cubs would have to cough up more than just the bare minimum.
Sullivan doesn't go into details on what the trade package could look like between the Cubs and Pirates, but it's safe to say Pittsburgh needs young bats who can make an impact now while the Bucs still have Paul Skenes.
If this trade went through, the Pirates may aim high for someone like James Triantos (Cubs No. 5 prospect) or get two players such as Jonathon Long (Cubs No. 13 prospect) and Ben Cowles (Cubs No. 22 prospect).
