After another loss on Wednesday, it has become clear that the Chicago Cubs are likely to become sellers at the trade deadline. Although the specifics of who will be traded and how many players will be moved are still unclear, Cubs President Jed Hoyer has hinted that the team will not be pursuing trades to strengthen their roster for a playoff push.
This season has been a major disappointment for the Cubs. Despite some early optimism, it has become evident that the team is much further from contention than anticipated. The team’s struggles and lackluster performance have fueled speculation that Hoyer and other key figures within the organization may be facing increased scrutiny.
The Cubs’ approach to the trade deadline will be crucial in determining the future direction of the team. Trading away veteran players could provide the team with valuable prospects, either for immediate future contributions or for potential offseason trades. It could also open opportunities for untested prospects within their farm system to showcase their abilities in the major leagues.
Among the veterans likely to be moved is Drew Smyly. According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, Smyly, a veteran left-handed pitcher, is expected to be traded. Smyly has transitioned from a starter to a reliever this season, where he has performed well with a 2.79 ERA, a 149 ERA+, and 33 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings.
While Smyly’s performance makes him a valuable asset for contending teams in need of relief pitching, the Cubs’ current situation doesn’t warrant keeping him for the remainder of the season. At 35 years old, Smyly is not considered elite, so while the return for him may not be substantial, any gain would be better than none as the Cubs look to rebuild and adjust their roster for the future.