The Chicago Cubs have reportedly signed RHP Phil Maton to a two-year deal. The righty fits exactly what the Cubs want. Find out more about his body of work here.
Although Major League Baseball’s offseason is in its infancy, the Chicago Cubs have made a few roster moves early on. Notably, the Cubs have brought back LHP Shota Imanaga on a one-year, $22 million contract after the lefty accepted the infamous qualifying offer. It was a long process to get to this point, with the Cubs declining the final three years of Imanaga’s contract, and Imanaga declining his subsequent one-year player option.
However, this piece is not about Shota Imanaga, a player the Cubs’ fanbase is familiar with. Rather, this is about the team’s other major addition thus far: RHP Phil Maton.
Maton reportedly signed with the Cubs for two years including a third-year option. On Tuesday, the finances of Maton’s deal became public knowledge, sporting a $14.5 million price tag with incentives that can bump the deal to $15 million in total. The 32-year-old has spent time with the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, and most recently with the rival St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. Now, Maton earns some security with a multiyear contract in Chicago.
Maton is such a fit for the Cubs, especially considering pitching additions this front office has made in recent years. Funky arm slots, canvas breaking stuff to enhance in the pitch lab, and a dominant breaking pitch combined with a fastball are their specialty. Last season, we dove into the Matthew Boyd addition and why it was such a fit. Well, he was an All-Star and an important piece of the rotation come October 2025. Now, we take a look at Maton and what he brings to the table that not only fits the Cubs front office’s likes, but the body of work as well.
Get Funky With It
Sep 7, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Phil Maton (88) pitches against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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For starters, there is something about the Cubs and pitchers with a funky arm slot. Sure, there is an advantage to having a different look for hitters to adjust to with pitcher arm slots. However, the Cubs seem to have a special place in their hearts for these type of guys. Maton fits the bill. With a 26-degree slot, he’s got the funk.
In addition to the arm slot, Maton has that aforementioned curve-fastball mix that the Cubs like. The righty heavily relies on that combination, throwing his curve the most, 38% of the time, and his cutter the second-most, 36% of the time. Both pitches, as defined as his breaking stuff, are in the top 10% of baseball.
The Cubs have historically thrived with guys that rely entirely on a two-pitch mix. However, Maton brings more to the table than just those pitches.
A Full Body of Work
Sep 24, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Phil Maton (88) and catcher Jonah Heim (28) celebrate the win against the Minnesota Twins at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Maton has two additional offerings besides his curve-cutter combo. Maton adds in a sweeper (the Cubs also love those) and a sinker. Although he throws the offerings at 14% and 12% clips, respectively, they factor into a unique body of work for the Cubs to help enhance in their world class pitch lab.
All of this said, velocity is not what Maton relies on. Despite continuing with a rather unpopular trend this time, the Cubs love guys who aren’t fireballers. Rather, Maton knocks out batters with movement, and all of his pitches sitting around league averages or below in velocity. His cutter is a tick above league average, but his sinker velocity is nearly five miles per hour less than that league average.
Incredibly, Maton rarely gets hit hard, or at least did not in 2025. His average exit velocity, whiff percentage, barrel percentage, and hard-hit percentage are all in the top 3% of the league. Although it feels like an under-the-radar addition, Maton had a nasty 2025 campaign between St. Louis and Texas. To see his full Baseball Savant page, check it out here.
What’s On Tap Next?
Maton’s slot into the bullpen suggests a few things. For starters, the Cubs are serious about upgrading their bullpen. There are reports that after Maton, the Cubs are still willing to spend to upgrade their bullpen. Although the team will surely try to find the 2026 versions of Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, and Andrew Kittredge, spending on established arms is never a bad thing. Pitching depth is critically important, and its clear that the front office is taking things seriously.
There is a lot of Hot Stove season remaining, but the Cubs appear to be off to a respectable start in the bullpen with Phil Maton.