The Chicago Cubs are wasting no time addressing their most glaring roster need this offseason. In a move designed to stabilize a relief corps that President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer recently described as a “blank canvas,” the club has agreed to a multi-year contract with veteran right-hander Phil Maton.

According to reports from the New York Post and Bleacher Nation, Phil Maton and the Cubs have settled on a guaranteed two-year deal that includes a club option for the 2028 season. While the financial specifics haven’t been fully disclosed, the move signals a clear intent from the Cubs front office: they want proven, durable arms to navigate the rigorous National League Central schedule.

Phil Maton brings consistency to Wrigley Field

If you are looking for a flashy signing, this might not be the headline grabber of the winter. However, if you are looking for effectiveness, Phil Maton fits the bill perfectly. The 31-year-old is coming off a strong 2025 campaign split between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers.

Across the entire season, Maton posted a stellar 2.79 ERA. In today’s game, where bullpen volatility is the norm, finding a reliever who can keep runs off the board at that rate is a premium asset. He isn’t just a one-inning wonder; he has proven he can handle high-leverage spots, recording five saves last season while primarily functioning as a setup man.

His time with the Rangers specifically highlighted his ability to adapt to a pennant race atmosphere. Texas acquired him at the trade deadline—sending pitching prospects Mason Molina and Skylar Hales the other way—hoping he would anchor their push. In 23 appearances for the Rangers, Maton went 3-2 with a 3.52 ERA, converting three saves in six opportunities. While Texas ultimately missed the playoffs, Maton’s performance validated the high price the Rangers paid to acquire him.

Answering the “Blank Canvas” challenge

The context of this signing is just as important as the player himself. The Cubs entered this winter with significant questions surrounding their relief pitching. Jed Hoyer was candid in his assessment regarding the state of the pitching staff, noting the team needed to add “a number of arms” and admitting the bullpen was largely undefined.

By securing Phil Maton early in the offseason, the Cubs are removing a variable from that equation. They aren’t just hoping a prospect steps up; they are paying for a known commodity.

Maton is the definition of a journeyman who has figured out how to survive and thrive in the majors. Having started his career with the San Diego Padres, he has logged 478 career appearances. He is approaching the 500-inning milestone and has racked up 539 strikeouts. That strikeout-per-inning ratio is crucial for pitching at Wrigley Field, where balls in play can often turn into adventures depending on the wind.

Durability and playoff experience

One of the most underrated aspects of Phil Maton is his workload. He is a workhorse who takes the ball whenever asked. Late-inning relievers often battle fatigue, but Maton has remained available and effective throughout his major league tenure.

Furthermore, he brings recent playoff experience to a clubhouse hungry for it. Before his stint with the Cardinals and Rangers, Maton was a key piece of the Houston Astros bullpen, pitching in the World Series. He knows the pressure of October baseball. For a Cubs team trying to chase down the Brewers and fend off the rising Reds and Pirates, having a guy in the bullpen who doesn’t panic with runners on base in September is invaluable.