The New York Yankees should pursue Trevor Megill with an offer that supports the Milwaukee Brewers' championship defense. New York needs late-inning pitching, but Milwaukee needs a reason to surrender its proven closer.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Monday that the Brewers would at least listen to offers for Megill. This package is a proposal, with World Series MVP William Contreras outside the discussion.

Hypothetical trade

Yankees receive: Trevor Megill

Brewers receive: Luis Gil and Bryce Cunningham

Why Trevor Megill fits the Yankees' bullpen

Megill delivered a 2.63 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 69 strikeouts across 61 2/3 regular-season innings in 2026. Those numbers give New York a stronger basis for pursuing him than simply chasing a recognizable closer.

David Bednar's future remains unsettled after the Yankees extended him a qualifying offer. New York should evaluate this trade alongside that decision rather than assume its incumbent closer has already departed.

If Bednar leaves, Megill could take the ninth inning. If Bednar returns, acquiring Megill would still strengthen the late innings, although the Yankees would need to decide whether that additional investment deserves priority over other needs.

Gil makes the exchange more manageable than surrendering an established rotation fixture. The Yankees retain Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon, along with Will Warren and Ryan Weathers as additional starting options. Moving Gil reduces depth without automatically opening a rotation vacancy.

Surrendering Cunningham's development upside makes this meaningful compensation for one season of relief help. The Yankees should present this offer without treating it as an opening bid they must keep expanding.

Why Luis Gil and Bryce Cunningham could interest Milwaukee

The Brewers' incentive begins with Gil's ceiling and remaining control through 2028. He won American League Rookie of the Year honors in 2024 after posting a 3.50 ERA and 171 strikeouts over 151 2/3 innings.

His recent performance demands a new evaluation by the Brewers. Gil recorded a 4.61 ERA with only 17 strikeouts in 27 1/3 major league innings in 2026. Right shoulder inflammation also interrupted his season. Milwaukee would be acquiring uncertainty, not a guaranteed return to his rookie form.

That distinction explains Cunningham's inclusion. Gil alone would ask the Brewers to exchange reliable late-inning production for a pitcher with substantial health and performance questions. Adding another starting prospect gives Milwaukee a second route to extracting value.

Cunningham, 23, finished 2026 with a 4.61 ERA and 96 strikeouts across 105 1/3 minor league innings. He reached Double-A Somerset, where he struck out 27 and walked two over 25 innings.

Cunningham's limited Double-A sample should temper expectations. His 2025 shoulder inflammation also makes medical evaluations essential. Milwaukee should judge both pitchers on their current condition and realistic roles.

With Brandon Woodruff in free agency, the Brewers have a reason to pursue another starting option. If healthy, Gil could compete for major league innings in 2027 while Cunningham continues developing.

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Brewers must preserve their championship bullpen

Trading Megill would weaken the bullpen unless Milwaukee redistributes his responsibilities successfully. Abner Uribe offers a credible closing candidate after recording a 1.97 ERA with 62 strikeouts in 59 1/3 regular-season innings.

Aaron Ashby would remain another important option after striking out 116 over 89 1/3 innings with a 3.12 ERA. Moving Uribe into the ninth would nevertheless create earlier assignments that someone else must handle.

Gil could help in relief if starting does not suit his workload or performance. Milwaukee should evaluate that possibility without assuming he can solve multiple needs.

Financially, both Megill and Gil face arbitration, so neither club should treat salary estimates as signed commitments. Milwaukee should require the final cost difference and incoming talent to justify losing its closer. New York must account for its broader bullpen spending.

This offer exchanges uncertain Yankees pitching depth for immediate relief help while giving Milwaukee more than distant prospects. If medical concerns undermine Gil's near-term usefulness, the Brewers should keep Megill for another season.