MESA, Ariz. – Cubs bullpen coach Chris Young welcomed Drew Smyly with a smile and a dose of sarcasm.
“They’ll let anyone in here, huh?” Young shouted as he joined Smyly in the bullpen Saturday afternoon, his first day back with the Cubs.
Smyly, who in 2018 rehabbed from Tommy John surgery with the Cubs, on Saturday joined the team on a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2023. The deal is reportedly worth $5.25 million plus incentives.
Smyly’s signing was one of a flurry of moves the Cubs announced Saturday. The club also made official the signings of infielder Jonathan Villar (one year with a mutual option), left-hander Daniel Norris (one year) and Robert Gsellman (non-roster invite).