Cubs Sign Phil Maton to Two-Year Deal, Rebuilding Bullpen NOW

BREAKING: The Chicago Cubs are shaking up their bullpen with a significant move. They have reached an agreement with right-handed reliever Phil Maton on a two-year contract, which includes a third-year club option, multiple reports confirmed late on Friday night.

This decision marks a pivotal moment for the Cubs, who are actively working to rebuild their pitching staff. The terms of the deal are still emerging, but this commitment to Maton reflects the organization’s high regard for the 32-year-old pitcher.

Maton arrives in Chicago armed with nine years of major league experience across seven different teams. Last season, he showcased his talent with a remarkable 2.35 ERA while playing for the St. Louis Cardinals before being traded to the Texas Rangers. In Texas, Maton elevated his strikeout rate from an impressive 30.4% to an even more impressive 36.7% in the final two months of the season, demonstrating his potential to dominate on the mound.

Despite finishing the season with a slightly higher ERA of 3.52 with the Rangers, Maton held opponents to a mere .179 batting average, proving his ability to keep hitters guessing. His overall performance culminated in a career-best 2.79 ERA, signaling his readiness to make an impact in Chicago.

While Maton’s velocity is not his strongest suit—his cutter averages 90.6 mph—he employs a diverse four-pitch arsenal, keeping batters off balance. This strategic approach could prove invaluable as the Cubs work to revamp their pitching lineup.

The Cubs are nearly starting from scratch with their bullpen. Young right-handers Daniel Palencia and Porter Hodge are the only returning full-time relievers who logged at least 15 innings last season. Both pitchers had varying degrees of success, with Palencia serving as closer for a significant part of the year.

As the Cubs aim to enhance their pitching depth, Maton’s arrival could signal a turning point for the team. The urgency to rebuild is palpable, with fans eager to see how these changes unfold in the upcoming season.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Cubs continue to make strategic moves to bolster their roster. This is a developing story, and more details are expected to emerge soon.