Cubs, Smyly agree to 2-year, $10M deal
The Chicago Cubs made a move for another starting pitcher Tuesday, though this one isn't expected to make his debut for a while.
Left-hander Drew Smyly inked a two-year, $10-million deal with the Cubs, reuniting him with former Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon and pitching coach Jim Hickey.
Smyly spent last season with the Seattle Mariners but never threw a pitch after undergoing Tommy John surgery in late June. The Mariners opted to non-tender Smyly rather than pay him the projected $6.85 million owed through arbitration.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed success on the mound throughout his five-year career but has struggled staying healthy. Smyly posted a 3.94 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 377 strikeouts over the last four seasons, but has never reached the 200-innings plateau. He isn't expected to throw a pitch again until late next season or 2019.
In addition to his guaranteed salary, Smyly could earn more than $7 million in performance bonuses, one source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
The Cubs have been busy adding to their pitching staff this winter, already making deals with reliever Brandon Morrow and starter Tyler Chatwood.