6 Cubs Who Won't Be Back in 2025 After Missing Playoffs Again

2. Drew Smyly

Smyly's transition to the bullpen this season proved beneficial, as he posted a 3.88 ERA compared to his 2023 mark of 5.00. Still, he was a bit of a liability in later innings as he failed to convert on all three save opportunities he found himself in.

The Cubs placed Smyly on waivers in August, and though he continued with the team for the remainder of the season, it's clear that the club is trying to offload him. The 35-year-old made $8.5 million this season, and the Cubs reportedly wanted to shed his salary to remain under the luxury tax threshold.

Smyly's contract is up at the end of this year, and it remains to be seen whether the he and the team will exercise his mutual option for 2025.

3. Nick Madrigal

Time may be running out for the 2015 No. 4 overall pick, who came across town from the White Sox in the Craig Kimbrel trade at the 2021 deadline.

Madrigal, who only featured in 51 games this season before being optioned to Iowa on June 1, has not been much more than a depth piece at second and third base in his three seasons on the North Side.

The 27-year-old hit a career-low .221 this year and is a .251 hitter with the Cubs but has always struggled for power, hitting only four total home runs in the big leagues. Madrigal also had one of his worst years defensively in 2024, committing two errors at third base in only 11 starts which contributed to a negative defensive WAR.

The Cubs have top prospects Matt Shaw and James Triantos slated for call-ups in 2025, both of whom occupy the infield positions that Madrigal plays. Shaw, the 2024 Southern League MVP with Double-A Tennessee, is likely to become a second option at third base behind Isaac Paredes next year.