Overview
- The contract guarantees $14.5 million over two seasons, with reports noting about $250,000 in annual appearance incentives.
- Maton, 32, is expected to work high‑leverage innings as a setup option after Chicago lacked a reliable bridge in 2025.
- He posted a 2.79 ERA with 81 strikeouts in 61.1 innings for the Cardinals and Rangers last season.
- Reporting from The Athletic highlighted 2025 tweaks, including self‑calling pitches via PitchCom and a faster cutter, tied to improved strikeout rates.
- The move opens a broader bullpen rebuild after Brad Keller, Caleb Thielbar and Drew Pomeranz hit free agency, with payroll space leaving room for additional relief additions.