Matthew Boyd Set to Join Chicago Cubs, Leaving Cleveland Guardians
Matthew Boyd, a free-agent left-handed pitcher, is reportedly finalizing a two-year, $29 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. The deal, reported by Jon Heyman of The New York Post, includes a potential $1 million performance bonus.
After recovering from Tommy John surgery, Boyd joined the Cleveland Guardians on a one-year, $740,000 contract in June 2024. He debuted for Cleveland on August 13 and made eight starts, posting a 2-2 record with a 2.72 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and an impressive strikeout rate of 10.4 per nine innings over 39.2 innings. His performance helped stabilize a Guardians rotation hit hard by injuries to key players like Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie.
Despite Cleveland’s interest in retaining Boyd, he is set to bolster the Cubs’ rotation, joining fellow left-handers Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele. Represented by Scott Boras, Boyd’s swift agreement comes as a surprise, given Boras clients typically take longer to finalize contracts in free agency.
Matthew Boyd
With Boyd’s departure, the Guardians remain in need of starting pitching. Bieber, now a free agent, is recovering from Tommy John surgery and may miss much of 2025, though Cleveland hopes to retain him for the 2026 season.
Boyd’s move to Chicago is a significant loss for Cleveland, as fans hoped to see him return after his strong contributions in 2024. His addition strengthens a Cubs rotation already primed for contention.
Leave a Reply