The Chicago Cubs will gain a familiar face in camp, with left-hander Matthew Boyd returning.
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According to New York Post columnist Jon Heyman, Boyd will return to get stretched out as a starter since he didn’t get enough innings in the World Baseball Classic. The 2025 All-Star pitched 2.1 innings, allowing five hits, no walks, and three earned runs.
Boyd made two starts in spring training before joining Team USA, with a 1.93 ERA and seven strikeouts in 4.2 innings. New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes is in the same situation as Boyd and could also return to camp.
Matthew Boyd is expected to return to Cubs camp to be stretched out as starter for season since he wouldn’t get enough innings as a Team USA reliever. Clay Holmes is in a similar spot and may go back to Mets camp. Twins ace Joe Ryan is a candidate to take one USA roster spot.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 12, 2026
Matthew Boyd needs to focus on the season ahead for the Chicago Cubs
Boyd, 35, will likely be counted on to be the Cubs’ ace heading into this season, or the No. 2. The Cubs haven’t announced a starter for Opening Day, and Boyd is one of the candidates for the job. Right-handers Cade Horton and Edward Cabrera are also options for manager Craig Counsell.
Boyd had a breakout campaign in 2025 — 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA in 21 starts — after having Tommy John surgery in late 2023. The surgery cost Boyd most of the 2024 season, but it led to him signing his contract (two years, $29 million) with the Cubs.
The Cubs have a strong top three in the rotation of Boyd, Horton, and Cabrera. The Milwaukee Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds as the Cubs main rivals for the National League Central. So, hopefully, having a formidable starting rotation paired with a strong offense could help win the Central.
The Cubs will take on the Washington Nationals on March 26. Right-hander Cade Cavalli will be the Nationals Opening Day starter.
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