Cubs Sign Reliever Phil Maton to 2-Year Deal

The Chicago Cubs just made a pretty big move to beef up their bullpen. They agreed to a two-year deal with right-handed reliever Phil Maton, an Illinois native with plenty of big-league experience.

ESPN’s Jesse Rogers first reported the deal. Maton heads back to his home state after a strong 2025 season split between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers.

He brings late-inning steadiness and a solid mix of pitches. The Cubs’ bullpen is in flux, so Maton’s arrival feels pretty timely.

Phil Maton’s Journey to the Cubs

Maton’s spent nine years in the majors, bouncing around and adapting to different roles. He made his debut with the San Diego Padres back in 2017.

Since then, he’s pitched for seven teams and put together a career ERA of 3.98. Last season, he really showed his worth, posting a 2.79 ERA in 63 appearances—most of them in high-pressure spots.

From San Diego to Chicago

Coming home to Illinois isn’t just a nice story for Maton. He’s traveled from the West Coast through several organizations, picking up new tricks along the way.

That experience in both National and American League parks should help him handle whatever matchups Chicago throws his way.

Breaking Down Maton’s Pitching Arsenal

Maton’s got a crafty mix—precision, deception, and just enough unpredictability. He leans on his cutter and curveball, throwing them at similar rates to mess with hitters’ timing.

He also mixes in a sweeper and a sinker, so he’s got a few different ways to attack batters.

Swing-and-Miss Specialist

In 2025, Maton fanned 81 batters in just over 61 innings. That kind of swing-and-miss stuff is huge for a Cubs bullpen that lost some veteran arms this winter.

His variety of pitches and speeds helps him shut down rallies in tight spots. It’s not easy to find relievers who can do that consistently.

Impact on the Cubs’ Bullpen Strategy

The Cubs lost Drew Pomeranz, Caleb Thielbar, and Brad Keller to free agency. That left a pretty glaring hole in the late innings.

Maton steps in with a solid track record under pressure. The Cubs needed someone reliable, and he fits that bill.

Role and Expectations

Maton isn’t coming in as the closer—he’s only got 10 career saves. But he’ll be a key setup guy, facing the toughest hitters and trying to hand over leads to the back end of the bullpen.

Contract Details and Future Flexibility

The deal covers two guaranteed seasons and includes a club option for 2028. That gives the Cubs some wiggle room if Maton keeps pitching well or if things change down the line.

Smart Roster Management

That club option shows the front office is thinking ahead. They get Maton’s reliability now, but they’re not locked in forever if they need to adjust for prospects or other moves later.

Why This Move Matters for Chicago’s Playoff Hopes

The Cubs want to compete in a tough National League Central. Bullpen depth makes a huge difference over a long, grinding season.

Bringing in a veteran like Maton sends a message: the front office is serious about winning, but they’re also keeping their options open for the future.

Key Advantages Maton Brings

Maton’s strengths line up well with what Chicago needs:

• Late-inning stability that takes some pressure off the younger arms.
• Versatility to handle different high-leverage spots on the mound.
• Strikeout capability for getting out of jams with minimal damage.
• Pitch diversity that keeps hitters guessing, no matter the league.

If you look at his 2025 numbers, the Cubs might’ve just landed a reliever who brings consistency, adaptability, and a real edge when it counts. For fans around Wrigleyville, Phil Maton’s signing feels like more than just another name on the roster—it’s a smart move aimed at strengthening Chicago’s playoff push.

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Here is the source article for this story: Sources: Cubs add reliever Maton on 2-year deal