Former Tampa Bay Rays starter, Drew Smyly, has moved to a new team. It was announced today that the Chicago Cubs have signed Smyly to a two-year contract worth $10 million dollars. The team has confirmed the move.
The #Cubs and LHP Drew Smyly have agreed to terms on a two-year contract through the 2019 campaign. pic.twitter.com/O95TC2VXhz
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 13, 2017
Smyly’s Career Profile
Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the second round, 68th overall, in the 2010 Amateur Draft, Smyly would wait two years before making his debut for the Tigers. During his rookie season, Smyly would earn a 4-3 record with a 3.99 ERA with 94 strikeouts in 99.1 innings pitched. In three years of pitching for the Tigers, Smyly would earn a 3.53 ERA with 264 strikeouts in 280.2 innings pitched. On the 2014 Trade Deadline Day, Smyly was involved in a three-way trade.
Smyly, along with shortstop Willy Adames, was traded to the Rays. In exchange, the Tigers acquired pitcher David Price from the Rays. The Seattle Mariners would come into play in the trade by trading shortstop Nick Franklin to the Rays. Finally, to close the trade, the Tigers would then trade centerfielder Austin Jackson to the Mariners. In his three years in Tampa Bay, Smyly would post a 3.95 ERA with 288 strikeouts and 289.2 innings pitched.
During the 2016 offseason, Smyly would be traded once again, this time to the Mariners. In exchange, the Rays acquired shortstop Carlos Vargas, centerfielder Mallex Smith, and pitcher Ryan Yarbrough. However, Smyly wouldn’t pitch a game for the organization as it was announced that Smyly would need Tommy John surgery and that this would keep him out for the rest of the season. In his career, Smyly has 3.74 strikeouts with 552 strikeouts in 570.1 innings pitched.
The Impact Of The Signing
For the Cubs, this signing could prove to be a little risky, considering that Smyly won’t be on the mound until September of next season. But if he is fully recovered, Smyly will be a very reliable starter for this rotation that will be much needed it after the loss of Jake Arrieta. For the Mariners, this obviously comes as a disappointment as they were never able to use Smyly in a game. But Smyly will look to prove that he will be able to get it done after recovering from the surgery.
SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 15: Drew Smyly #34 of the United States pitches during the first inning of theWorld Baseball Classic Pool F Game Two between Venezuela and the United States at PETCO Park on March 15, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
