Th. Chicago Cubs have been busy this offseason. They made one of the biggest moves of the winter by agreeing to a deal with All-Star shortstop Dansby Swanson. Following that, they retained one of their key players from 2022 by re-signing Drew Smyly.

According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, the Cubs and Smyly have agreed on a deal for the 2023 season. The 33-year-old lefty posted a 3.47 ERA in 106.1 innings last season, his first with Chicago. Although he isn't a very hard thrower, he does a strong job of limiting walks and getting hitters to chase thanks to his cutter and curveball.

Article Continues Below
Related News
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) hits a sacrifice ground out RBI during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field.
Cubs rumors: Ken Rosenthal sends stern contract warning to Pete Crow-ArmstrongChristopher Hennessy ·
Cubs news: Shota Imanaga injury update making fans impatient
Cubs’ Shota Imanaga injury update making fans impatientChris Spiering ·
Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw (6) celebrates with center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) after hitting a walk-off single during the eleventh inning against the Colorado Rockies.
Cubs’ Matt Shaw delivers walk-off as team stays hot vs. RockiesJosh Davis ·
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) reacts after hitting a two-run single in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.
Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong draws $140 million contract predictionZachary Howell ·
Chicago Cubs catcher Reese McGuire (20) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.
Unexpected Cubs hero emerges vs. Reds right after call-upAlex House ·
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) hits a double in the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s adjustment for the Cubs that launched potential All-Star seasonSteve Silverman ·

Drew Smyly will return to the Cubs and an improved roster. Prior to landing Swanson with a seven-year, $177 million deal, the Cubs signed former MVP Cody Bellinger, former All-Star reliever Brad Boxberger and Jameson Taillon, who will join Smyly and Marcus Stroman in the starting pitching rotation. Chicago is remaking its roster after trading away their championship core and is aiming to be competitive in the NL Central.

Although the Cubs lost out on All-Star catcher Willson Contreras, who signed with the rival St. Louis Cardinals, they are making some upgrades that should allow them to be more competitive in 2023 and beyond. Smyly will likely be further back in the rotation but should be a key player as Chicago tries to return to the postseason.