Cubs Finalize Phil Maton Contract; Future Impact on Bullpen

The Chicago Cubs have finalized a contract with right-handed reliever Phil Maton, making the announcement official on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. The deal is for two years and includes a club option for the 2028 season, guaranteeing Maton a total of $14.5 million.

This signing marks a significant shift from the Cubs' typical strategy of assembling their bullpen through one-year contracts, minor-league signings, and small trades. Given the number of spots available in the bullpen, the Cubs opted to secure Maton early in the offseason.

The 32-year-old reliever had an impressive 2023 season, achieving the best earned run average of his career at 2.79 while playing for both the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. His performance included a notable increase in his strikeout rate, soaring to 32.5%, positioning him in the top five percent of pitchers in that category, according to Statcast.

Maton is known for his ability to generate soft contact, relying heavily on spin and deception rather than velocity, which often tends to decline with age. This durability, showcased over his nine-year career, makes him an appealing option for a multi-year commitment.

The Cubs' decision to sign Maton, along with left-handed starter Shota Imanaga's acceptance of a qualifying offer, signals a focused offseason strategy aimed at bolstering their pitching staff. The Cubs are expected to continue enhancing their bullpen, primarily through their familiar approach of making low-risk signings and trades, while Maton represents a more stable, long-term investment.

This move reflects the organization's commitment to improving their pitching depth as they look to enhance their competitive standing in the league moving forward.