Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Chicago Cubs sign Drew Smyly for?
The Cubs signed Drew Smyly to a 1-year deal worth $5.25 million with approximately $2.5 million in incentives. It marks his second stint with the organization.
Did Drew Smyly ever actually pitch for the Cubs before?
No, Smyly signed a two-year deal with the Cubs back in 2017 but never threw a pitch for them because he was recovering from Tommy John surgery. He was eventually traded to the Rangers to clear cap space for Cole Hamels.
How did Drew Smyly perform with the Atlanta Braves last season?
With the Braves, Smyly posted a 4.48 ERA over 126.2 innings across 29 games with 23 starts. He struck out 8.31 batters per nine innings but had a concerning FIP of 5.11 and an HR/9 of 1.92.
Who are the Chicago Cubs top three starters heading into 2022?
The top of the Cubs rotation is set with Kyle Hendricks, Marcus Stroman, and Wade Miley. The fourth and fifth spots remain open, with Drew Smyly, Justin Steele, Keegan Thompson, and Alec Mills all competing for those roles.
What pitchers have the Chicago Cubs added to build depth this offseason?
The Cubs have been busy adding pitching depth, signing Chris Martin, Mychal Givens, Robert Gsellman, David Robertson, Steven Brault, Daniel Norris, and now Drew Smyly. This lines up with what Jed Hoyer said about prioritizing pitchers and pitching depth.