The Chicago Cubs sit in second place in a weak National League Central division, but don't have much hope of making a run and salvaging the 2024 season.
Instead, they have chosen to turn their focus to 2025 and beyond and punt on this season.
Late on Monday, the Cubs made a move to start that process, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
"The Chicago Cubs put veteran pitcher Drew Smyly on outright waivers for postseason contenders looking for a lefty reliever," Nightengale tweeted.
Smyly has had a solid season out of the bullpen for the North Siders. The 35-year-old left-hander has appeared in 36 games and is 3-6 with a 2.84 ERA.
He would be a solid addition for a team looking for help in the bullpen from the left side, though if a player is placed on waivers, the team with the worst record of bidders will receive the player, so it will be interesting to see what teams are ultimately in the mix for Smyly.
This season is Smyly's first full year as a reliever. He made the transition last year after starting 23 games for the North Siders. The numbers are much improved since the transition.
At 66-66, the Cubs are 10 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers for the top spot in the NL Central and 5 1/2 games back of the third and final Wild Card spot. At this point, a run is unlikely, so it makes sense for them to put Smyly on the waiver wire and see if they get any takers.
There will surely be some contenders that could find a fit for the veteran left-hander if they are attempting to make a run at the postseason.
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