Cubs Reach Two-Year Deal With Reliever Phil Maton: What the Move Means for Chicago

The Chicago Cubs have opened their offseason with a meaningful and strategic move: agreeing to a two-year contract with veteran reliever Phil Maton, with a club option for a third year. For a bullpen in need of stability and fresh talent, Maton’s arrival represents both a short-term upgrade and a long-term opportunity. As the Cubs look to reshape their roster for the upcoming seasons, this signing signals a clear priority—fortifying the late-inning pitching staff.

A Fresh Chapter for Phil Maton

Phil Maton, now entering his ninth Major League season, has carved out a reputation as one of baseball’s most quietly effective relievers. In 2025, he enjoyed one of the best years of his career, posting a 2.79 ERA over 63 appearances while splitting time between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers. His durability and consistency made him one of the more attractive relief options in free agency.

Maton’s career journey has taken him through several clubs—including the Padres, Guardians, Astros, Cardinals, and Rangers. Despite the frequent transitions, his underlying performance has remained consistently strong. With a career ERA under 4.00 and advanced metrics that regularly place him among the league’s top relievers in quality-of-contact suppression, Maton brings a skill set that aligns perfectly with what Chicago is looking for.

Why the Cubs Targeted Maton

The Cubs entered the offseason with a rather thin bullpen picture. Several key relievers from the previous season departed, leaving the late-inning structure uncertain. With so many vacancies, the Cubs front office viewed the bullpen as a “blank canvas” and Maton as an ideal anchor piece.

There are several reasons why this move makes sense:

1. Elite Contact Suppression

Maton is known for limiting hard contact better than almost any reliever in baseball. In 2025, he ranked near the very top of MLB in:

Hard-hit rate

Average exit velocity allowed

Barrel rate

This makes him incredibly valuable in high-leverage situations, where one mistake pitch can change a game.

2. A Two-Pitch Mastery

Maton relies heavily on his cutter and curveball, a combination that has been especially effective over the last few seasons.

His curveball, thrown nearly 40% of the time, is his signature pitch—capable of inducing whiffs and weak contact.

His cutter saw a noticeable jump in velocity in 2025, adding deception and improving its effectiveness.

For a bullpen that lacked swing-and-miss stuff last season, Maton’s pitch mix adds a much-needed dynamic.

3. Late-Inning Flexibility

Though not primarily known as a closer, Maton has repeatedly excelled in:

High-pressure innings

Runner-on situations

Matchups with elite right-handed hitters, whom he held to a .174 average last season

The Cubs can use him as a setup man, a multi-situation reliever, or even a stand-in closer depending on roster developments.

A Move With Manageable Risk and High Upside

Reliever performance can fluctuate from year to year, but Maton’s value lies in the aspects of pitching that remain relatively stable: deception, movement, and disciplined pitch usage. These qualities make him a safer bet than many free-agent relievers.

The reported two-year length—paired with a possible third-year club option—gives the Cubs flexibility. If Maton thrives in Chicago, the team retains control. If things don’t go as planned, the financial risk remains reasonable.

For Maton, this deal offers something he hasn’t had in several years: stability. After moving between teams and roles, Chicago gives him a clear opportunity to settle into a more defined position and become a key piece of a bullpen that’s being rebuilt around him.

How Maton Fits Into the Cubs’ Bigger Plan

The Cubs have been clear: their priority this offseason is strengthening the bullpen from the ground up. With Maton on board, the front office can now:

Pursue additional relievers who complement his style

Build a more balanced bullpen with both right- and left-handed options

Give younger arms room to develop without being thrust into difficult roles too early

Securing Maton early in free agency also sends a message to the league: the Cubs are ready to compete and are investing thoughtfully rather than making splashy but risky signings.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

Early reactions from Cubs fans have been largely positive. While Maton may not be a household name, his underlying metrics and steady production suggest that Chicago has landed an underrated asset. Fans who dig into analytics know exactly why this move matters.

Relievers like Maton often make the difference in tight games—those late-inning battles that determine playoff berths. If he replicates his 2025 performance, the Cubs’ bullpen could transform from a weakness into a strength.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season

With Maton secured, the Cubs’ offseason is far from over. More bullpen additions are expected, and the front office will continue shaping the roster to support a competitive push in the National League. However, this signing gives Chicago a strong foundational piece—and a signal that they are serious about contending.

Maton’s consistency, advanced pitching profile, and versatility make him a natural fit for a club that needed reliability. If he continues his upward trajectory, this deal could look like one of the offseason’s smartest moves.

Conclusion

The Cubs’ two-year deal with Phil Maton is a strategic, high-value signing that addresses a clear need while offering upside and flexibility. Maton’s proven ability to suppress hard contact, generate strikeouts, and thrive in pressure situations makes him an ideal addition to Chicago’s bullpen.

For the Cubs, this move is a step toward stability. For Maton, it’s a fresh opportunity with a team ready to lean on his strengths. And for Cubs fans, it’s an encouraging sign that the organization is building a more resilient, competitive roster for the seasons ahead.