The New York Yankees could fill a big hole in their bullpen after this veteran reliever was surprisingly placed on waivers.
As MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports reported Monday evening, the Chicago Cubs have made left-hander Drew Smyly available via the waivers list.
The Chicago Cubs have placed veteran pitcher Drew Smyly on waivers for the postseason contenders as they look for a left-handed reliever.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) 27 August 2024
Chicago’s decision is a bit surprising, as Smyly is having a good season, posting a 2.84 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 43 strikeouts in 50.1 innings.
The 35-year-old has been a starter for most of his 11-year major league career, but the Cubs have used him exclusively as a relief pitcher in 2024, where he has had success.
The Yankees currently have two left-handers in their bullpen, Tim Hill and Tim Mayza, but they could use another left-hander in that unit, and that’s where Smyly would come in.
Smyly could serve as another setup man option, as he holds a 1.69 ERA in the eighth inning in 11 appearances (10.2 innings) this year.
The Cubs have not designated Smyly for assignment, so he can continue to pitch for Chicago unless another team claims him in the next two days.
If the Yankees end up signing him, it would be quite expensive, as he is still owed $1.9 million in salary and will receive $2.5 million in severance pay in the offseason if he does not exercise his $10 million mutual option.
Still, the Yankees’ bullpen is a big question mark heading into October, and signing a veteran left-hander like Smyly would help bolster that unit ahead of the postseason.
