The Chicago Cubs have begun reshaping their bullpen after several relievers hit free agency following the 2025 season. Right-hander Phil Maton is the first addition, reportedly signing a multi-year deal that includes an option for a third season. Exact financial terms have not yet been disclosed.
At 32, Maton is coming off an excellent season split between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. He logged 61.1 innings with a 2.79 ERA, struck out 81 batters, and recorded five saves. Strikeouts have long been a key part of his profile, even without the high-end velocity many modern relievers rely on.
Newest Chicago Cubs reliever Phil Maton is a master of missing bats without velocity
Maton’s hardest pitch last season was his cutter, which averaged just 90.6 mph. His sinker sat around 89 mph, while his curveball came in at 76 mph and his sweeper at 84 mph. That wide velocity spread works to his advantage, especially since his curveball, his most frequently used offering, is also his best weapon.
In 2025, opposing hitters whiffed on Maton’s curveball 41.6% of the time and batted just .136 against it. The pitch allowed only one home run all season, three across his entire arsenal, and yielded just eight extra-base hits in total. It’s no surprise the curveball stands as Maton’s premier weapon, consistently baffling hitters despite his modest velocity.
Phil Maton, Vicious Curveballs. 😤 pic.twitter.com/dR3coEMWou
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 25, 2025
Given that level of swing-and-miss dominance, Maton projects to slide comfortably into a high-leverage role in Craig Counsell’s bullpen. With the Cubs needing to find the players that provided the same level stability as a year prior, Maton’s experience, poise, and elite curveball should position him as one of the manager’s most trusted options in tight situations right away.
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