The Chicago Cubs are taking steps to fortify their beleaguered bullpen by agreeing to a two-year deal with right-handed reliever Phil Maton. The contract, which includes a club option for a third year, reflects the team's high esteem for Maton's recent performance.
Maton, 32, brings nine years of major league experience and has been a consistent presence on the mound since 2021. In his most productive season to date, he boasts an impressive 2.35 ERA with the Cardinals before being traded to the Rangers in July. Notably, Maton's strikeout rate jumped from 30.4% to 36.7% over the final two months of the season, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive in different environments.
Though not a power pitcher, Maton has developed an effective four-pitch arsenal that keeps hitters guessing. His cutter averages 90.6 mph, but it's his mix of pitches – including a changeup and slider – that allows him to maintain a high level of effectiveness. This season, he posted a career-best 2.79 ERA and limited opponents to a .179 batting average.
The Cubs are facing significant rebuilding efforts in their bullpen, with only two pitchers – Daniel Palencia and Porter Hodge – returning from last year's campaign as full-time relievers. Despite this, the team remains optimistic about Maton's ability to contribute to their success. The signing marks an exciting development for Chicago's pitching staff, which is now poised to make a significant push forward in the coming seasons.
Maton, 32, brings nine years of major league experience and has been a consistent presence on the mound since 2021. In his most productive season to date, he boasts an impressive 2.35 ERA with the Cardinals before being traded to the Rangers in July. Notably, Maton's strikeout rate jumped from 30.4% to 36.7% over the final two months of the season, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive in different environments.
Though not a power pitcher, Maton has developed an effective four-pitch arsenal that keeps hitters guessing. His cutter averages 90.6 mph, but it's his mix of pitches – including a changeup and slider – that allows him to maintain a high level of effectiveness. This season, he posted a career-best 2.79 ERA and limited opponents to a .179 batting average.
The Cubs are facing significant rebuilding efforts in their bullpen, with only two pitchers – Daniel Palencia and Porter Hodge – returning from last year's campaign as full-time relievers. Despite this, the team remains optimistic about Maton's ability to contribute to their success. The signing marks an exciting development for Chicago's pitching staff, which is now poised to make a significant push forward in the coming seasons.
another team just found someone who can actually do their job on the mound... like, what happened to all these pitchers that failed so miserably last season? 
The Cubs are trying to fix their bullpen which is basically a joke right now and they're counting on this guy Maton to save them. 2.35 ERA is nice I guess but it's not like he's going to single-handedly turn the team around... they still have like, a million other problems to fix 
. Phil Maton is exactly what they need – a reliable arm that can get the job done without blowing it up 
. I mean, 2.79 ERA this season is nuts! He's got some serious stuff on his fastball, but it's his pitch mix that makes him so hard to hit 
. And let's be real, the Cubs are in desperate need of someone who can close out games without imploding 
. Maton's addition gives them a legit shot at making a deep playoff run 
. Fingers crossed this signing pays off for the North Siders! 
#MatonToTheCubs. Rebuilding the bullpen is no joke, but with guys like him coming in, i think they're onto something 
#ChicagoSports. The Cubs are looking fierce this season, can't wait to see them take on the competition 
#PlayoffsInChicago
. i mean what makes him so special? is it just his pitch mix or is there something else about him that sets him apart from other relievers? also, 36.7% strikeout rate in the last two months of the season is crazy! but at the same time, the cubs are still rebuilding their bullpen so can they really rely on maton to carry them to success?