The Chicago Cubs are making a strategic move to bolster their bullpen depth ahead of the upcoming season. They’re reportedly landing veteran reliever Phil Maton on a two-year contract, with a club option for a third year.
Maton, who’s bounced around seven different MLB teams, brings playoff experience, sharp command, and some advanced pitching metrics that could give Chicago’s late-inning strategy a real lift. The deal hasn’t been officially confirmed, but multiple reputable sources have reported the signing, signaling the Cubs want to strengthen their relief corps after recent departures.
Phil Maton’s Journey Through MLB
Maton’s path to Chicago shows how adaptable and valuable he is as a bullpen arm. The San Diego Padres drafted him in 2015, and he broke into the big leagues with early success before making brief stops in Cleveland and Houston.
His time with the Astros really stood out, as he delivered steady regular-season performance and proved himself under the postseason spotlight.
Career Highlights Before Joining the Cubs
Over three seasons with Houston, Maton compiled a 3.67 ERA across 157 innings. He became a trusted option in high-leverage spots.
During the 2021 playoffs, his knack for generating swings-and-misses and limiting hard contact made him a valuable weapon. After Houston, the right-hander signed with Tampa Bay for 2024 but got traded midyear to the Mets.
With New York, he posted a strong 2.51 ERA in the regular season. The playoffs didn’t go as well, but his regular-season numbers turned heads.
Performance in 2023 and Statistical Breakdown
In 2023, Maton split time between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. With St. Louis, he recorded a sharp 2.35 ERA, showing consistency and durability.
After the trade to Texas, his ERA bumped up to 3.52. Still, his strikeout rate surged to 36.7%, showing he could overpower hitters in key moments.
Advanced Metrics and Pitching Arsenal
Maton’s game is all about precision, not just velocity. He leaned heavily on his curveball last season—nearly 40% of the time—which produced elite spin rates and kept hitters off balance.
Statcast data has him in the 98th percentile for limiting hard contact. That’s a big deal for a reliever, especially in high-pressure spots.
Impact on the Cubs’ Bullpen
With Brad Keller gone and Andrew Kittredge traded, Maton’s arrival gives the Cubs more late-inning options. The team structured the deal for flexibility, with a club option for a third season if he keeps performing.
Potential Remaining Moves for Chicago
Maton fills a key bullpen need, but Chicago’s front office might not be done tinkering before Opening Day. There’s talk about adding a veteran left-hander to balance the bullpen, which would pair nicely with Maton’s right-handed presence and his track record against both lefties and righties.
What Cubs Fans Can Expect
Maton’s acquisition isn’t just a roster update—it’s a calculated bet on postseason-caliber pitching. Cubs fans can expect:
- Consistency in High Leverage – Maton’s shown he can handle the pressure of tight games.
- Elite Pitch Craft – His curveball and spin rates are among the best in MLB.
- Postseason Experience – From Houston’s deep playoff runs to his travels around the league, he knows how to compete when it counts.
- Durability – He’s logged plenty of innings, giving the bullpen some much-needed stability.
Final Thoughts
Signing Phil Maton looks like a smart, metrics-driven decision by the Chicago Cubs. They’re shoring up an area of concern before the season even starts.
Maton’s journey through nearly a decade in the majors shows not just skill, but a knack for adapting. Those are traits any contending team would love to have.
If he brings his command and knack for limiting hard contact to Chicago, he could become a crucial piece. Cubs fans might end up seeing Maton as a key factor in the team’s push for October baseball.
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Here is the source article for this story: Cubs To Sign Phil Maton
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