9-Year Veteran Starting Pitcher To Return To Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs starting staff is rounding into shape for the 2023 season. Following their 4-year, $68M deal with Jameson Taillon, they're now set to bring back veteran Drew Smyly. 

Woo hoo - @JesseRogersESPN reports on ESPN 1000 that the Cubs are expected to finalize a deal to bring back Drew Smyly soon. Big fan of what Smyly can offer the Cubs as a versatile starter or reliever, and obviously had great success with the Cubs' staff.

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) December 18, 2022

ESPN's Jesse Rogers reported on Sunday that the two sides are in the midst of finalizing a deal to return Smyly to Wrigley for 2023. 

The 33-year-old veteran performed very well on the North Side in 2022, posting a 3.47 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 22 starts, with a 91:26 strikeout-to-walk ratio. 

An oblique injury sidelined him in May and cost him several starts, but he came back strong and had a 0.90 ERA in five August outings. 

Smyly rounds out a top 4 starting staff that also includes Marcus Stroman, newcomer Taillon and youngster Justin Steele. Kyle Hendricks is recovering from a shoulder injury and hopes to be back for spring training, while Keegan Thompson and Adrian Sampson are also available to start. 

The 9-year veteran is 53-47 in his career with a 4.10 ERA, and the Cubs are his 7th major league team. He missed two seasons (2017, 2018) while recovering from Tommy John surgery. 

The Cubs have been busy, as promised, in free agency, with Smyly and Taillon on the pitching side, along with star shortstop Dansby Swanson and former MVP, center fielder Cody Bellinger on the position player front.

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports