SURPRISE, Ariz. — Right-handed reliever Phil Maton’s early offseason signing with the Chicago Cubs has allowed him extra months to work closely with the team’s coaching staff, facilitating a smoother preparation for spring training. This extended period of collaboration has focused on refining his pitch arsenal, aiming to help Maton make a significant impact with the Cubs in the coming season.
Maton’s Contract Brings Stability After Several Moves
In late November, Maton signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Cubs, marking the team’s first multi-year deal with a reliever since 2019 when they signed Craig Kimbrel. This agreement provides Maton with a much-needed sense of stability after bouncing between five organizations in the past three years, including midseason trades in consecutive seasons.
Reflecting on his frequent transitions, Maton remarked,
“I’m not really new to new faces and new organizations,”
and added,
“But from as much as I’ve gathered in these three weeks [in Cubs camp], I feel like we have a good group of guys — guys that get it, guys that put in the work.”
Enhancing His Pitching Arsenal with a New Changeup
Coming off a season where he significantly improved his strikeout rate with the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers, Maton, who will turn 33 in March, remains a pitcher committed to growth. Cubs manager Craig Counsell highlighted Maton’s relentless pursuit of improvement, stating,
“He spins the ball really well, and that’s his foundation, but he’s always searching for ‘Is there something else I can add?’ or ‘Is there something else I can get better at?’ That’s never going to stop for him. You can tell by the way his mind works.”
Maton’s latest focus is developing a modified kick-changeup, a pitch that gained popularity last year for its unique seam orientation and movement, including among Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon. This pitch could become a potent addition to his existing repertoire, which prominently features a curveball, cutter, sweeper, and sinker. However, Maton recognizes the challenges that come with mastering a new off-speed pitch, noting that success in practice doesn’t always translate to game situations.
Describing his progress, Maton said,
“When I get the seam orientation right, it comes out of my unique release point looking like the sickest pitch in baseball, but when I don’t, it spins out like a hanging slider.”
He also expressed caution about relying on it in critical moments:
“I don’t really want to go in a game in a big situation, throw that pitch, hope it’s the strikeout one and throw the bad one.”
Maton’s Continued Drive to Evolve in His Tenth Season
Although the changeup’s fate remains uncertain, Maton’s willingness to experiment reflects his dedication to constant improvement as he enters his tenth major-league season. Counsell praised Maton’s ability to absorb and implement coaching advice by saying,
“He takes in information very well, and I think he also can apply that information very well. Phil’s got a really good pitching mind — really good pitching mind. And that’s fun to work with.”
Veteran Presence Adds Stability to Cubs’ Bullpen
The Cubs’ bullpen roster for Opening Day is nearly finalized, with only one spot still undecided, though injuries and performance could alter roles. Despite a core group of young arms, including 2025 closer Daniel Palencia, the bullpen remains largely veteran, with Maton poised to handle high-leverage innings given his experience.
Maton commented on the value of having seasoned pitchers around him:
“We have a lot of guys with unique shapes, unique looks, but it’s just what guys have done before. They’ve had their periods where they’re throwing great. They’ve had other periods where they’re throwing bad. Just having those older guys creates a little bit more stability throughout the year.”
Looking Ahead: What Maton’s Development Means for the Cubs
If Maton successfully integrates the changeup into his game, the Cubs’ bullpen could gain a more versatile weapon capable of confounding hitters with varied speeds and movement. Given his track record and mental approach, Maton’s evolution may help the Cubs navigate a rigorous season and bolster their relief pitching depth. His blend of experience, adaptability, and commitment to continuous pitching development positions him as a key figure in the team’s plans this year.
