Cubs Close to Signing Another Free Agent Starting Pitcher

The Chicago Cubs made right-hander Jameson Taillon their top priority to add to their rotation this offseason, but there was always the expectation they would acquire another starter to give the team even more depth. It appears as though the second addition to the pitching staff through free agency will be veteran left-hander Drew Smyly.

According to ESPN's Jesse Rogers, the Cubs are getting close to a deal with Smyly, who pitched with the Cubs in 2022.

Ken Rosenthal also confirmed that both sides are nearing an agreement.

Smyly, 33, was pretty solid with the Cubs this last season, posting a 3.47 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 106.1 innings. The lefty made 22 starts, missing six weeks because of an oblique injury at the end of May and then he was out a couple weeks in September with a shoulder issue.

The Cubs obviously like Smyly a lot, first signing him back in the 2017-18 offseason to a two-year deal. He was still recovery from Tommy John surgery in 2018, and in that offseason he was traded to the Texas Rangers, as the Cubs started to shed salary. Then, the Cubs signed Smyly last offseason, and will re-sign him once again.

Smyly made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2012, making 18 starts during his rookie season as a 23-year-old. The lefty has also pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays, Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves. He has a career 4.10 ERA and 1.27 WHIP.

The Cubs have good pitching depth already and re-signing Smyly only strengthens it. The Cubs now have the ability to ease in a few of their younger arms, using them out of the bullpen, or taking the pressure off of having to be good right away. Plus, there are a few more starting pitchers who may also end up in the majors later in the 2023 season with the Cubs.

Here is the current starting pitching depth for the Cubs.

Marcus Stroman
Justin Steele
Jameson Taillon
Drew Smyly
Kyle Hendricks
Hayden Wesneski
Adrian Sampson
Keegan Thompson
Javier Assad
Adbert Alzolay
Caleb Kilian

While the Cubs do not have a traditional ace type pitcher in their rotation, Marcus Stroman and Justin Steele were both great in the second half of 2022. Meanwhile, rookie Hayden Wesneski does have stud written all over him, but he still has more to prove after his brief stint with the Cubs late in the season.

It may not look like the most exciting rotation, but I'm a believer in what the Cubs have done the last few years working with pitchers. I'll join the group of fans who think Steele will take the next step in 2023 and establish himself as another workhorse alongside Taillon.

Plus, there's still room there and openings for the Cubs to add a top free agent pitcher next offseason.

So, how do you feel about the moves made by the Cubs so far this offseason? Let us know in the comments.