White Sox: 3 crosstown trades we could make with the Cubs

3) White Sox trade candidate to target on the Cubs: Drew Smyly

Wade Miley might be the better fit but he has had a more difficult time staying on the field than Drew Smyly. Although Smyly is currently on the IL, he is expected to be back from an oblique injury before the All-Star break.

The White Sox might not have as great of a need for a starting pitcher now that Lance Lynn is back and Johnny Cueto has performed well. Acquiring Smyly would be more about adding some depth to the organization and stashing him in the bullpen as a left-handed reliever.

Smyly has actually pitched plenty out of the bullpen in his career. Frankly, it’s probably the best way to keep him healthy. He has missed a lot of time and might be more effective as a long man/emergency starter on a contender.

The Cubs will be looking to trade Smyly this summer. At 2-5 with a 3.80 ERA in 9 starts before landing on the IL, he has shown he can get big league outs.

Smyly was a member of the 2021 championship Atlanta Braves where he filled in as a long man during the postseason. It’s exactly what the White Sox could view him as with the potential to occasionally start—especially if they experience another rash of injuries to their starting rotation.