The Chicago Cubs had something of a bullpen exodus after the 2025 season ended.
Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, Caleb Thielbar, Ryan Brasier, Aaron Civale, Taylor Rogers, and Michael Soroka were all becoming free agents after the 2025 campaign ended, which meant that Jed Hoyer and the rest of Chicago’s front office had its work cut out for it when retooling its relief corps this winter.
Many expect some of these players to re-sign. However, there was no question that Chicago would also add other arms via free agency. And their first such move was announced on November 21, when they signed veteran reliever Phil Maton to a two-year deal, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Other reports have noted that the contract includes a club option for a third year.
Maton is fresh off an excellent season, especially after he was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Texas Rangers at last year’s trade deadline. He produced a 2.79 ERA with 81 strikeouts and five saves in 61.1 innings pitched during the 2025 regular season, posting a 1.84 ERA in his last 15 appearances and a 1.42 ERA in his final seven games.