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Chicago Cubs: Plenty of arms for just a few spots
The Cubs signed Smyly with the intention of utilizing him in 2019. While I can’t see a world where Chicago picks up a $20 million option on Cole Hamels – but they could very well bring him back on a smaller deal if he pitches well over the final two months.
So where does that leave Montgomery?
If he’s back on the North Side, that means the bullpen. Which, based on his past comments, isn’t necessarily what he’d prefer. The Cubs could flip him in a trade this winter – perhaps to a club looking for a rotation piece?
It’s too soon to say the team would do so. I mean, we’ve seen how valuable he is time and time again. But with the number of arms on this team heading into next season, Mike Montgomery may prove to be the odd man out.