Chicago Cubs Sign Phil Maton to Two-Year Deal

The Chicago Cubs have signed right-handed relief pitcher Phil Maton to a two-year contract with a club option for a third year, as first reported by Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation. The deal, confirmed by Will Sammon of The Athletic, comes after Maton enjoyed a career year split between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers, where he posted a 2.79 ERA over 61.1 innings.

Cubs Signing Reliever Phil Maton -Bleacher ReportCubs sign division rival journeyman with one skill their bullpen desperately needs

Phil Maton, who will turn 33 in March, had a standout 2025 season, striking out 32.7% of the batters he faced and achieving a 1.06 WHIP. His pitching arsenal includes a cutter averaging 90.6 mph, a curveball, a sweeper, and a sinker, with the cutter and curve being his primary pitches. Maton is noted for his ability to limit hard contact, boasting a hard-hit rate of 30.7%, which ranks among the best in Major League Baseball. Despite his lower velocity, he compensates with nearly seven feet of extension on his pitches, making him an effective option for the Cubs' bullpen.

Chicago Cubs Sign Right-Handed Reliever Phil Maton to Two-Year DealCubs Signing Reliever Phil Maton -Cubs sign division rival journeyman with one skill their bullpen desperately needs

The Cubs have been actively seeking to bolster their bullpen, especially after the departures of several key relievers, including Brad Keller, Andrew Kittredge, Drew Pomeranz, and Caleb Thielbar, all of whom are free agents. Maton's signing is seen as a crucial first step in addressing the team's need for pitchers capable of generating strikeouts. His addition is expected to provide the Cubs with much-needed swing-and-miss capability, an essential trait for successful playoff teams.

Cubs sign division rival journeyman with one skill their bullpen desperately needs

Jed Hoyer, the Cubs' president of baseball operations, has emphasized the importance of enhancing the bullpen. Maton's signing is viewed as a strategic move to improve the team's chances in the upcoming season. The Cubs' front office is expected to continue making additions to the bullpen as they prepare for the 2026 season.

Cubs sign division rival journeyman with one skill their bullpen desperately needs

While Maton’s signing has been generally well-received, some analysts note that he did not make the DiamondCentric Top 50 free agents list, suggesting that his market value may not be as high as other available pitchers. Critics argue that while Maton has shown improvement, his history of inconsistency could pose risks for the Cubs as they aim for a deeper playoff run.

Chicago Cubs Sign Right-Handed Reliever Phil Maton to Two-Year Deal

As the offseason progresses, the Cubs are anticipated to pursue additional bullpen options, particularly left-handed pitchers, to complement Maton’s right-handed presence. The team currently has nine open spots on its 40-man roster, allowing for further acquisitions as they look to solidify their pitching staff ahead of the 2026 season.

Cubs sign division rival journeyman with one skill their bullpen desperately needs

• “While the Cubs have a defense that is more than capable of turning batted balls into outs, the ability to strike a hitter out will always be where the bread is made.” — Analyst, Bleacher Report

Cubs sign division rival journeyman with one skill their bullpen desperately needs

• “The Cubs, who won 90 games last year and won their National League Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres, are getting a great asset for their bullpen as they look to make a deeper playoff run next season.” — Analyst, Bleacher Report

Bleacher Report