Phil Maton's contract details reveal Cubs are challenging fans' skepticism

The impression throughout the early weeks of the offseason has been that the Chicago Cubs are willing to spend on pitching, and when the team's first offseason signing was veteran relief pitcher Phil Maton on a multi-year deal, it did seem to be confirmation that Jed Hoyer and Co. were willing to deviate from the spending strategy they've had in recent years.

Maton's contract details have been revealed, set to earn $14.5 million over the next two seasons in Chicago. With incentives based on how many appearances he makes, the deal could reach $15 million when all is said and done. No word yet on the cost of Maton's club option in 2028.

Considering Maton has made at least 60 appearances in each season since 2021, chances are he will hit his incentives. Placing his AAV for each season at $7.5 million. In theory, this leaves the Cubs with nearly $45 million to spend this offseason before reaching the first level of the CBT. The Cubs often like to leave themselves room for moves during the season, so the amount they are looking to spend this winter could be closer to $35 million. That is assuming the goal for the club is to avoid going over the CBT.

Phil Maton's contract details confirms the Cubs are ready to spend on pitchers they like.

Given that Maton has been somewhat of a journeyman, some have been critical of the move, suggesting that it walked a similar line to the deals the Cubs made for Ryan Pressly and Hector Neris. While Maton has had a stop in Houston, that is about the only similarity with his arrival in the Cubs' bullpen. Unlike Pressly and Neris, Maton's metrics suggest there is more to be unlocked, and his swing-and-miss numbers are among the best in baseball.

On a grander scale, Maton's deal could spell good things for the Cubs' search for starting pitching this offseason. If the Cubs are willing to act swiftly for a starting pitcher they have interest in, perhaps they won't be scared off by his price. In other words, if Dylan Cease or Michael King is who the Cubs identify as the arm for the top of their rotation, money may not be an issue.

It would be a shift for the Cubs, but after a playoff series where their pitching was not of the same caliber as the Milwaukee Brewers, they may be willing to adopt a new spending strategy.