Phil Maton could prove to be a huge addition for the Cubs in 2026

Jared Bloom

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Phil Maton could prove to be a huge addition for the Cubs in 2026 image

Chicago Cubs fans were treated to an exciting 2025 season. With Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong leading the way, the club erased its four-year playoff drought and ended the San Diego Padres season in the Wild Card. 

However, that would be as far as they would go. They would have their season end against their division rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers. 

Since the season ended, the front office has kept plenty busy. They have made a handful of moves to potentially put themselves in a better spot for the 2026 season. 

MORE: Cubs are interested in Cody Bellinger, but Alex Bregman's signing could have an impact

Phil Maton could prove to be a huge addition for the Cubs in 2026

The Cubs made their biggest free agent signing just a few days ago when they signed Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract. 

While fans are over the moon about that, that is not the only free agent signing that could prove to be huge for the team. Earlier in the offseason, the Cubs went out and signed Phil Maton to a two-year deal to help bolster their bullpen. 

Maton is coming off a season split between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers, where he posted a 2.79 ERA across 61.1 innings of work. He should pair nicely with guys like Hoby Milner and Caleb Thielbar. 

Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer also believes this could prove to be a huge addition for the Cubs. 

"Maton has a 130 ERA-plus to show for his last three seasons. His Baseball Savant page is typically loaded with red bars, including for whiff and hard-hit rates that were near the 100th percentile in 2025. Granted, he is mostly a slayer of right-handed batters. But with Hoby Milner and Caleb Thielbar in the pen to handle lefties, Craig Counsell should be fine so long as he picks the right spots with Maton."

Maton will likely serve as a high-leverage arm to bridge the gap in the seventh or eighth inning. You can expect Daniel Palencia to close out games for the Cubs in 2026, and this is shaping up to be a solid bullpen.

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Contributing Writer