Cubs, LHP Smyly finalize $19 million, 2-year contract

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs and pitcher Drew Smyly have finalized a $19 million, two-year contract. Smyly has an opt out after the 2023 season. The left-hander will make $8 million next year and $8.5 million in 2024. There is a $10 million mutual option for 2025 with a $2.5 million buyout. The 33-year-old Smyly went 7-8 with a 3.47 ERA in 22 starts for Chicago last season. Smyly joins a group of potential starters that includes Marcus Stroman, Jameson Taillon and Kyle Hendricks. The Cubs also have Justin Steele, Adrian Sampson and Keegan Thompson in the mix. Chicago went 74-88 this year and finished third in the NL Central. But it went 40-31 in its last 71 games. The rotation had a 2.89 ERA after the All-Star break, third in the majors.