Inside The Pinstripes

Yankees Could Upgrade Bullpen After Reliever Surprisingly Put on Waivers

This impact left-handed reliever was placed on waivers and would be an ideal fit in the New York Yankees' bullpen.
Pat Ragazzo|
Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Drew Smyly (11) pitches during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Drew Smyly (11) pitches during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports | Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

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New York YankeesChicago Cubs

The New York Yankees could solve a major need in their bullpen after this veteran reliever was put on waivers in a surprise move.

As MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports reported on Monday night, the Chicago Cubs have made lefty Drew Smyly available on the waiver wire.

This decision by Chicago is a bit shocking since Smyly is having a nice season, posting a 2.84 ERA, a 1.18 WHIP and 43 strikeouts across 50.1 innings.

The 35-year-old had served as a starter for most of his 11-year big-league career, but the Cubs have exclusively used him as a relief pitcher in 2024, where he has found success.

The Yankees currently have two left-handers in their bullpen, Tim Hill and Tim Mayza, but they could use an additional southpaw on this unit, which is where Smyly would come in.

Smyly has the ability to serve as another setup man option, as he holds a 1.69 ERA in 11 appearances (10.2 innings) in the eighth inning this year.

The Cubs did not designate Smyly for assignment, so he can still pitch for Chicago unless he is claimed by another team in the next two days.

Should the Yankees wind up claiming him, it would be a bit costly as he has $1.9 million remaining on his salary plus a $2.5 million buyout in the offseason if his $10 million mutual option is not excercised.

That being said, the Yankees' bullpen is a big question mark when looking towards October and adding a veteran lefty like Smyly would help bolster this unit ahead of the postseason.

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Pat Ragazzo
PAT RAGAZZO

Pat Ragazzo is the main publisher and reporter for the Mets and Yankees On SI sites. He has been covering the Mets since 2018 and Yankees since 2021. Pat was selected as The Top Reporter & Publisher of the Year 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the industry. He has appeared on several major TV Networks including: NBC4, CBS2, FOX5, PIX11 and NY1; and is a recurring guest on ESPN New York 880 AM and WFAN Sports Radio 101.9 FM. Pat is also the Mets insider for Barstool Sports personality Frank "The Tank" Fleming’s podcast. You can follow him on Twitter/X and Instagram: @ragazzoreport.

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