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2023 Player Outlook

Smyly’s performance with the Cubs inked him a nice little deal for the next two seasons in Chicago. His 7-8 record underwhelmed, but he posted a 3.47 ERA, the third-highest ground ball rate of his career, and his average exit velocity and barrel rate were his lowest in recent memory. Once again, his whiff rate was a bit underwhelming, but he continues to generate swings out of the zone, and increases usage of his curveball is likely a big part of that. His strikeout rate is down, which hampers his fantasy value a little bit, but an improved Chicago offense should help Smyly a bit, although regression in his ERA seems all but certain for 2023. For this reason, as well as durability concerns heading into his age-34 season, be careful pushing Smyly up, draft boards.