Cubs urged to dump 'respected' $10 million veteran, former World Series champ

The last two seasons have been major disappointments for the Chicago Cubs, and changes to the roster could be on the way.

Although they finished both seasons above .500, the Cubs had every chance to make it back to the playoffs and couldn't seal the deal. There was no single part of the roster that undid the Cubs, either, but everything simply lacked a little bit of the necessary firepower.

The Cubs are sure to overhaul the bullpen, which was one of the worst in baseball at closing out games this season. That could mean a well-respected Cubs and Major League Baseball veteran is on his way out of Chicago.

Left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly, who the Cubs used exclusively out of the bullpen, has a mutual option for the 2025 season. Zach Pressnell of FanSided urged the Cubs Tuesday to decline their end of the option.

"Smyly has a $10 million player option attached to his contract for next season. He will absolutely be opting into his side of the deal, but there are questions as to whether the Cubs will opt-in as well, bringing him back," Pressnell said.

"Since he's such a respected member of the team, Hoyer may feel inclined to bring him back, but it wouldn't be the best decision for the team. That money could and should be used to bring in real impactful players this winter."

Smyly, 35, had decent surface-level stats in 2024, but the under-the-hood numbers were less encouraging. He had a 3.84 ERA in 58 2/3 innings, but his 4.91 WHIP, 1.40 WHIP, and 3.8 BB/9 tell the story of a reliever who let lots of inherited runners score and allowed far too much traffic on the bases.

The Cubs would have to pay Smyly a $2.5 million buyout if they want to get rid of him, which could be something of a deterrent if they don't love their other bullpen options. Veteran presence is always a positive thing in the clubhouse when the veteran is a true pro like Smyly.

One never knows how much time they have left at Smyly's age, but the 2021 World Series champion has already had an excellent big-league career. It will be up to him, with an assist from the Cubs, to write his own final chapter.

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