Cubs, Drew Smyly near deal for 2023 season, sources say

According to sources, the Cubs are close to an agreement with Drew Smyly.

After dealing with an oblique strain in May, Smyly was able to pitch well in the second half of the season. Over the course of the season, he was 8-7 with a 3.47 earned run average, which included a 0.90 earned run average over five starts in August.

The nine-year veteran will rejoin a rotation that also includes Marcus Stroman. The Cubs have holdover Kyle Hendricks who is recovering from a shoulder injury available to start.

Smyly has played for seven teams in his career, including five in the last year. When he was recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Cubs had him in the organization, but he never pitched for them in the big league.

The move is the latest in a series of deals by the Cubs, which have included Taillon, Dansby, and Bellinger. The Cubs had a third place finish in the National League Central.

Smyly has a career record of 53-47 with a 4.10 average in his career.