Cubs Sign Veteran Pitcher Matthew Boyd to Two-Year, $29 Million Deal

The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with left-handed pitcher Matthew Boyd on a two-year contract worth $29 million, according to a report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The deal also includes $1 million in performance bonuses, potentially bringing the total value to $30 million.

Boyd, who will turn 34 in February, began his major league career with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018. He gained prominence with the Detroit Tigers the following year, maintaining a league-average performance as a starting pitcher from 2016 to 2020. During this period, Boyd posted a 4.75 ERA and a 4.54 FIP over 727 innings. Notably, he had a standout season in 2019, striking out 30.2% of batters faced while walking only 6.3%. However, his overall performance positioned him as a solid back-of-the-rotation pitcher.

Boyd's tenure with the Tigers ended after undergoing surgery for a torn flexor tendon late in 2021. He then had a brief stint with the Seattle Mariners in a limited relief role before rejoining the Tigers in 2023. Unfortunately, he made just 15 starts before requiring Tommy John surgery.

As a free agent recovering from major surgery, Boyd remained unsigned until June 2024 when he secured a deal with the Cleveland Guardians. After a stint in the minors, he debuted for the Guardians in mid-August and finished the season strong, posting a 2.72 ERA and 3.29 FIP in 39 2/3 innings across eight starts. Boyd also impressed during the Guardians' playoff run to the ALCS, maintaining a 0.75 ERA over 12 innings in four appearances.

Boyd's resurgence made him a sought-after free agent, despite his injury history. MLB Trade Rumors ranked him as the 23rd best free agent this winter, predicting a two-year, $25 million contract—slightly below the deal he ultimately received from the Cubs. Boyd is now the fourth starting pitcher to secure a multi-year contract this offseason, joining Yusei Kikuchi (Angels), Blake Snell (Dodgers), and Frankie Montas (Mets).

​The addition of Boyd bolsters the Cubs' rotation, which includes lefties Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, as well as right-hander Jameson Taillon. Initially aiming for a top-tier starter, the Cubs shifted their focus to reliable veteran arms, with Boyd fitting this revised strategy. Boyd's recent injury struggles have limited him to 202 2/3 innings since 2021, during which he has recorded a 4.04 ERA and 3.97 FIP with a 23.2% strikeout rate and 8% walk rate.