3 Cubs players that are playing themselves out of the 2024 plans
It's never too soon to start looking ahead to next season - and these Cubs need big finishes if they want to be in the mix for the 2024 Opening Day roster.
By Jake Misener

3 Cubs players that are playing themselves out of the 2024 plans: #1 - Drew Smyly
Early on this year, Drew Smyly looked like a revelation, almost throwing a perfect game and playing a stabilizing role in the Cubs starting rotation. That was key given Jameson Taillon's brutal start to the season.
But it's been a tale of two halves for the veteran left-hander, who recently lost his spot in the rotation after a prolonged stretch of struggles. In the second half, he has an ERA north of 8.00 - nearly double his first-half mark. Since June 14, opponents have tagged him for a 1.000 OPS. Prior to his move to the bullpen, David Ross even tried an opener ahead of Smyly, but to no avail.
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Given the young arms on the horizon, including Ben Brown, Hayden Wesneski and Cade Horton, it's hard to see Smyly holding onto a job in this rotation in 2024. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Chicago trade him this winter, even if it means eating a little of the $8.5 million owed him in the final year of his deal.