Cubs Sign Left-Handed Starting Pitcher Who Impressed Last Season

The Chicago Cubs have made their first major offseason move by signing veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd to a two-year, $29 million contract, with an additional $1 million in potential performance bonuses.

The deal, pending a physical, brings Boyd, 33, to a Cubs rotation that already includes Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon, with the fifth spot expected to be a competition between Javier Assad and Hayden Wesneski.

Boyd’s signing indicates the Cubs’ focus on bolstering their pitching depth as they aim to contend in the competitive NL Central after consecutive 83-79 seasons.

LHP Matthew Boyd has reportedly signed with the Chicago Cubs. pic.twitter.com/TWX7jp9Sh5
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 2, 2024

Boyd impressed in 2024 with a strong return from Tommy John surgery, posting a 2.72 ERA over eight regular-season starts with the Cleveland Guardians.

He shined in the postseason, delivering a stellar 0.77 ERA and striking out 14 batters in 11.2 innings during Cleveland’s run to the ALCS.

“Boyd has proven his resilience and effectiveness, particularly under pressure, which makes him an exciting addition to our staff,” said a Cubs executive.

While his injury history raises some durability concerns—he hasn’t made more than 15 starts in a season since 2019—his 2019 campaign, where he tallied 238 strikeouts, shows his potential to be a high-impact arm when healthy.