Report: Chicago Cubs finalizing deal with Drew Smyly

This morning, Jesse Rogers hopped on ESPN 1000 radio to discuss the Dansby Swanson news and what to expect from him moving forward from the Chicago Cubs. Casually, he dropped the bombshell that you can expect the Cubs to sign Drew Smyly to a deal today. Given the sheer nonchalant confidence in his voice, you can tell talks are already in the advanced stages, and it won't be long before the announcement is made official.

The deal should be for one year and the Cubs will add another southpaw alongside Justin Steele to their already extremely deep rotation. In 2022, Smyly registered a 3.47 ERA in 106.1 innings pitched. He is yet another pitcher on the Cubs that posted an above-average mark. For the Cubs, in regards to their starting rotation, this is where things are getting interesting. They have depth, but they now have so much depth that you start to wonder what comes next.

This will give the Cubs Marcus Stroman, Jameson Taillon, Justin Steele, Hayden Wesneski, Kyle Hendricks, Adrian Sampson, Keegan Thompson, and now Drew Smyly, that can all be slid into the starting rotation. On top of that, you have Caleb Kilian, Javier Assad, and Adbert Alzolay. The Cubs are so deep in terms of starters that you have to wonder if, with the possible availability now of Nick Madrigal, a blockbuster trade could be coming to either land a top starter or a catcher.

In any case, the Cubs certainly aren't done this winter. They know they still need a bat. Adding back the veteran Smyly is a solid depth move. Still, again, I won't be surprised if there's a corresponding trade bubbling up shortly that significantly propels the Cubs up the projected wins ladder. More to come on the Smyly front, but we've got you covered as always. Expect it not to be long until he is officially announced back on a one-year deal, or a one-year with an option, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN.