The Texas Rangers are acquiring lefthanded pitcher Drew Smyly from the Chicago Cubs in a deal that helps facilitate the Cubs picking up Cole Hamels $20M team option for 2019, per Jerry Crasnick on Twitter. No word yet on what other pieces are involved.
Smyly, 29, signed a 2 year, $10M deal with the Cubs after the 2017 season. Smyly underwent Tommy John surgery in June, 2017, and missed all of the 2018 season, but would seem to be on track to pitch in 2019, when he is due $7 million.