Drew Smyly returns to the Cubs

CHICAGO — Drew Smyly made it clear at the end of last season that he hoped to still be a part of the Cubs’ plans next year. A reunion is indeed in the works.

On Thursday night, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that the Cubs and Smyly had reached an agreement on a two-year deal with $19 million guaranteed. The contract includes an opt-out option after the 2023 season. Smyly will make $8M in ’23 and $8.5M in ’24. Has a $10M mutual option ($2.5M buyout) for ’25.

The Cubs have not confirmed the deal.

By extending the starting lineup with Smyly, the Cubs can use this spring to weigh whether Adbert Alzolaya, Keegan Thompson and Adrian Sampson are best utilized as starters or multi-inning relievers. Behind that group, Chicago also has rookies Hayden Wesneski and Javier Assad impressing downfield, and more prospects (including Caleb Kilian, Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks) waiting in the wings.

Smyly, 33, had a 3.47 ERA with 91 strikeouts and 26 walks in 22 starts (106 1/3 innings) last year with the Cubs. He missed all of June with a right oblique strain and struggled with left shoulder fatigue in mid-September before making a successful late-season comeback.

After being activated from the injured list in July, Smyly posted a 3.25 ERA in 63 2/3 innings. That included hitting nine in a memorable outing during the Field of Dreams game. The lefty had a 2.83 ERA in 11 starts in the second half, ranking the Cubs rotation third in the Majors in ERA (2.89). Only the Astros (2.70) and Dodgers (2.73) were better after the All-Star break.

Smyly is entering his 10th MLB season, having posted a 4.10 ERA in 239 games with seven clubs. Last year with the Cubs, he posted a 2.42 ERA in nine starts at Wrigley Field and ranked in the 85th percentile on the year in average exit velocity (86.7 mph), according to Statcast.