The Chicago Cubs have made a significant move to bolster their pitching staff, agreeing to a one-year, $29 million deal with free-agent pitcher Matthew Boyd. This agreement, confirmed by sources to ESPN, The New York Post , and The Athletic on Monday, marks a key addition for the Cubs as they look to strengthen their rotation heading into the 2025 season. Boyd, 33, joins the Cubs after spending the 2023 season with the Cleveland Guardians, where he posted a 2-2 record and an impressive 2.72 ERA over eight starts. His season, however, was interrupted by Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in 2023, marking a setback in his career.
Over his 10-year MLB career, Boyd has accumulated a 46-69 record with a 4.85 ERA. He’s had stints with the Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, and Seattle Mariners. Boyd’s most recent standout performance came in 2022, when he posted a career-best 1.35 ERA over 10 starts with the Mariners. His ability to come back strong after a serious injury and contribute effectively on the mound is something the Cubs will look to capitalize on.
Boyd is expected to add depth to the Cubs’ starting rotation, which already includes promising arms like Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon. With Boyd’s experience and potential for a strong rebound, the Cubs are hoping he can make a meaningful impact as they seek to return to playoff contention.
The Cubs finished second in the National League Central in 2024, with an 83-79 record, 10 games behind the division-winning Milwaukee Brewers. This marked their fourth consecutive season without reaching the playoffs, and they are eager to turn the page and build a more competitive team in 2025. Adding Boyd to their rotation is part of the Cubs’ efforts to address pitching depth and improve their chances of breaking their playoff drought.