Breaking news: Cubs sign Phil Maton to a two-year contract
The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement to sign right-handed reliever Phil Maton to a two-year contract, a move that fortifies the team’s bullpen depth for the next two seasons. The deal, confirmed on Friday by multiple reports and sources close to the talks, marks a key addition for the Cubs as they reshape their relief corps.
Who is Phil Maton and what does he bring?
Phil Maton, 32, is a veteran reliever known for his mid-90s fastball and his ability to work multiple innings in bursts. In the 2025 season, he split time between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers, delivering solid results out of the bullpen. Contemporary reporting suggested a strong ERA around the 2.70 range, underscoring his effectiveness against both left- and right-handed hitters and his reliability in high-leverage spots. His experience in various roles—short relief, setup duties, and long relief—fits the Cubs’ broader strategy of bullpen versatility.
What this means for the Cubs’ bullpen strategy
Maton’s addition gives Chicago a dependable option who can bridge innings and set up closers when needed. The Cubs have been steadily rebuilding their relief group, emphasizing depth and late-game reliability. Maton’s ability to slot into multiple rungs of the bullpen could help manager whoever leads Chicago’s bullpen deploy matchups more effectively, especially against stiff lineups in theNational League Central.
Potential roles and rotation of the bullpen
With Maton on board, the Cubs can explore several bullpen configurations. He could serve as a right-handed bridge to the late innings, provide emergency length in games that stretch longer, or be used in situational matchups against right-handed power threats. The pricing of a two-year deal also signals that Chicago views him as a stable, multi-year asset rather than a temporary fix. The presence of a durable, experienced arm like Maton often allows younger relievers to ease into high-leverage duties over time without pressing too early into their development curve.
Impact on the Cubs’ offseason and roster planning
Adding Maton to the fold aligns with the Cubs’ broader offseason goals of strengthening bullpen depth after a year of adjustments and roster churn. A reliable reliever who can be counted on in the late innings helps reduce risk when facing stacked offenses in the league’s competitive divisions. The contract’s length provides Chicago with continuity through the next two seasons, enabling more strategic planning around other bullpen pieces and potential acquisitions or re-signings.
What’s next for Chicago
Beyond Maton, Chicago’s front office will likely continue to balance its roster with a mix of veteran relievers, younger arms, and potential depth additions in other roles. The goal remains clear: build a bullpen that can withstand the inevitable mid-season injuries and slumps while preserving late-inning options for a contending push. Maton’s arrival should also spark competition among current relievers, driving performance across the board as spring training approaches.
Conclusion
The two-year agreement with Phil Maton represents a meaningful upgrade for the Cubs’ bullpen and signals the organization’s intent to compete with a robust, flexible relief corps in 2026 and 2027. As spring training looms, Maton will look to integrate quickly with his new teammates and demonstrate the reliability that has made him a valued asset across multiple clubs.
