The Chicago Cubs found themselves with another player picking up an option or accepting an option on Monday as Drew Smyly triggered his 2024 player option on Monday.
Per ESPN, Smyly picked up his option and will receive $8.5 million in 2024. By picking up the option, he is also guaranteed a $2.5 million buyout on a mutual option for 2025.
On Sunday, the Cubs triggered pitcher Kyle Hendricks’ option for 2024 and did the same with catcher Yan Gomes.
Smyly had an up-and-down season for the Cubs, starting it in the rotation and ending it in the bullpen after a stretch of ineffectiveness.
He went 11-11 with a 5.00 ERA in 142.1 innings, as he allowed 147 hits, 89 runs (79 earned) and 26 home runs.
He also struck out 141 and walked 56, while allowing batters to hit .265 against him with a 1.43 WHIP.
Smyly notched a 2.51 ERA in 28.2 innings of relief.
The Cubs now have a group of options for the starting rotation in 2024 as they pursue free agents this offseason. Along with Smyly, the Cubs will return Justin Steele, Hendricks, Jameson Taillon, Javier Assad, Jordan Wicks and Hayden Wesneski, all of whom have starting experience.
The Cubs lost Marcus Stroman to free agency after he opted to exit his contract option. The Cubs could pursue re-signing Stroman.
The Cubs’ new manager, Craig Counsell, will likely have some sway over the team’s free agent moves, as well.
The Cubs pulled a surprise on the rest of baseball by hiring Counsell away from Milwaukee and signing him to a five-year contract. The Cubs fired manager David Ross once the deal was complete.
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