The Cubs have reached an agreement with left-hander Matthew Boyd on a two-year contract worth $29MM, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The deal also includes $1MM in performance bonuses, potentially increasing the total guarantee to $30MM over the span of two years.
Boyd, who will turn 34 in February, made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays in 2018 before establishing himself as a key player for the Tigers the following year. During his time with the Tigers from 2016 to 2020, Boyd performed as a slightly below-average starter with a 4.75 ERA (95 ERA+) and 4.54 FIP in 727 innings pitched. While he showed flashes of promise, particularly in 2019 when he had a high strikeout rate and low walk rate, he was generally seen as a solid back-of-the-rotation arm. Boyd’s tenure with the Tigers was interrupted by injuries, including surgeries for a torn flexor tendon and Tommy John surgery.
After becoming a free agent once again following his recovery, Boyd signed with the Guardians in June of the 2024 season. Despite a delayed season debut, he performed well with a 2.72 ERA and 3.29 FIP in 39 2/3 innings pitched across eight starts. His strong finish with the Guardians continued into the postseason, where he posted impressive numbers.
Boyd’s success in 2024 made him a sought-after free agent, and he ultimately signed with the Cubs for a deal slightly higher than initial predictions. His addition adds depth to the Cubs’ rotation, which already includes other veteran pitchers. While Boyd may not be a top-of-the-rotation starter, his recent performances suggest he can be a valuable asset to the team when healthy. The Cubs’ payroll for the upcoming season is projected to increase with Boyd’s contract, providing flexibility for potential further additions to strengthen the roster.
