Matthew Boyd leaves Cleveland Guardians for Chicago Cubs deal

On December 2, 2024, news surfaced that Matthew Boyd, a left-handed pitcher, had finalized a two-year contract with the Chicago Cubs. This move comes after a season where Boyd showcased his skills upon returning from Tommy John surgery, helping the Cleveland Guardians reach the postseason. He is expected to earn $29 million over the course of the contract, with the possibility of an additional $1 million in performance bonuses. Boyd has an extensive career that includes experience with several MLB teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, and the Guardians, having pitched professionally since 2015. The Cleveland Guardians had hoped to retain Boyd to bolster their starting rotation, which has faced challenges with key players like Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie sidelined or inconsistent due to injuries. The team spotted gaps in their pitching lineup that needed immediate addressing, especially with the 2025 season looming, where Bieber is set to miss a significant portion of games due to recovery from surgery. The team is still actively seeking additional starting pitching options in the wake of this loss. Matthew Boyd's move to the Cubs marks a notable change in the landscape of both teams. Boyd joins a franchise that has a rich baseball history and a recent championship stint in 2016 when they triumphed over the Guardians in the World Series. As Boyd embarks on this new chapter in Chicago, the Guardians are left to reassess their strategy and look toward the future amid the competitive dynamics in the league. As one of Scott Boras' clients, Boyd's swift agreement to a contract is unusual, given that Boras is known for his clients often waiting through the offseason to finalize agreements. With Boyd's departure, the Guardians face an uphill battle as they prepare for the upcoming season without a proven lefty in their rotation. The team will need to evaluate their options in free agency and perhaps rely on some younger pitchers stepping up. It poses an interesting scenario for the Guardians as they attempt to maintain competitiveness in their division. Following Boyd's signing with the Cubs, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how the transaction impacts both teams in the immediate and long-term future.