Free agent reliever Phil Maton is heading to the Cubs. Reports say he signed a two-year deal, with a club option for a third year. The team hasn’t officially confirmed the news yet.
Last season, Maton played for both the Cardinals and the Rangers. He started with St. Louis on a one-year, $2 million contract, showing promise with a 2.35 ERA over 38.1 innings. However, he was traded to Texas at the deadline, where his ERA increased to 3.52. On the upside, he improved his strikeout rate to 36.7% and earned three saves in 23 appearances.
Chicago marks Maton’s eighth team in ten seasons. Drafted by the Padres in 2015, he made it to the majors by 2017 thanks to impressive strikeout stats. Although he faced some setbacks, including an injury in 2018, Maton continued to develop his skills.
His time with Cleveland in 2020 was notable; he achieved a strikeout rate of 33.3% in a shortened season and improved to 34.3% in 2021. Maton was traded to Houston that same year and had a solid run there, boasting a 3.67 ERA across 157 innings through 2023. He was particularly strong during the 2021 playoffs, only allowing one earned run in 12 games.
After the 2023 season, Maton signed a one-year, $6.5 million contract with the Rays but struggled. He was later traded to the Mets, where he had a 2.51 ERA in 28.2 innings before faltering in the postseason.
Maton isn’t known for blistering speed—his fastball sits below 90 mph. Instead, he relies heavily on his curveball, alongside cutters and sinkers, which have earned him good results. His curveball usage was notably high last year, recording impressive whiff rates on his secondary pitches.
Throughout his career, he’s excelled at limiting hard contact, maintaining a career hard-hit rate of 29.9%. Last season, he ranked in the 98th percentile for hard-hit rates and barrel rates.
With recent departures from the Cubs’ bullpen, including Brad Keller and Andrew Kittredge, Maton fills a crucial gap. While Daniel Palencia is expected to take on closer responsibilities, Maton will likely be a key player in late-game situations along with Porter Hodge.
The Cubs have a chance to bolster their bullpen even further, as their payroll for 2026 sits at around $177 million. With additional space available, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them add another veteran presence.
In summary, Maton’s arrival could make a significant impact in Chicago, and fans will be eager to see how his skills translate in the Windy City.
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