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Cubs reportedly agree to 2-year contract with reliever Phil Maton

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Cubs reportedly agree to 2-year contract with reliever Phil Maton

8 hours ago7 min read3 comments

Alright, Cubs fans, let's break this down like we're dissecting a late-game playoff scenario. The North Siders just made a move that's got the hot stove league buzzing, reportedly locking down reliever Phil Maton on a two-year deal with a club option, a signing that feels like the front office is finally addressing the bullpen after watching a parade of key arms hit free agency.This isn't just some minor league flyer; Maton, the 32-year-old right-hander who bounced between St. Louis and Texas last season, put up a sneaky-good 2.79 ERA over 63 appearances, and get this—he could be the first of the 175 XXB free agents to actually switch teams this offseason, a stat that underscores just how significant this early move is. The Cubs' bullpen was a talking point all year, a mix of grit and occasional heartburn, and with Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, and Caleb Thielbar all testing the market, bringing in a veteran arm like Maton isn't just an addition; it's a statement of intent following that thrilling, albeit brief, playoff run that saw them finally get past the Padres before bowing out to Milwaukee in a classic five-game NLDS battle.Think of Maton as that reliable sixth man off the bench in the NBA, the guy who might not always start but consistently delivers when the game is on the line—his career 3. 98 ERA across 478 big-league games with seven different clubs, including Cleveland, Houston, and the Mets, shows a journeyman's resilience, a guy who's been through the wars and knows how to handle pressure.His journey, from being a 20th-round pick by San Diego out of Louisiana Tech back in 2015 to making his debut with the Padres in 2017, is the kind of grind story that resonates in a city like Chicago, where fans appreciate players who've earned their stripes. And let's not overlook the other Friday business: offering contracts to Justin Steele, the lefty ace coming off a stellar 16-5, 3.06 ERA campaign and now rehabbing from elbow surgery, and Javier Assad, signals a commitment to shoring up the pitching staff from multiple angles, while non-tendering Reese McGuire and Eli Morgan clears some roster flexibility. This Maton signing feels like the opening salvo in what promises to be a fascinating offseason for the Cubs, a team clearly not content with just making the playoffs for the first time since 2020; they're building for a deeper run, and adding a battle-tested arm like his is a crucial first step in that direction, setting the tone for the winter and giving the Wrigley faithful something legit to talk about beyond the nostalgia.

#hottest news

#Chicago Cubs

#Phil Maton

#MLB free agency

#bullpen

#contract

#relief pitcher

#MLB offseason

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