Former Astros Reliever Phil Maton Heads to Cubs, What It Means for Houston

Former Houston Astros reliever Phil Maton is reportedly finalizing a two-year contract with the Chicago Cubs, marking the end of his three-season run in Houston. The move, first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, gives the Cubs a steady right-handed arm while closing the door on a potential reunion many Astros fans had hoped for this offseason.

Maton, 31, delivered reliable innings during his Astros tenure and played a quiet but important role in the club’s 2022 World Series championship run. His ability to miss bats, handle high-leverage spots, and give length when needed made him one of Houston's most trusted bullpen pieces.

Maton Leaves Houston After A Strong Three-Year Run

The Astros acquired Maton from Cleveland in 2021, and he quickly found a place in Houston’s relief corps. Over the past two seasons, he posted some of the most consistent numbers of his career, including a sub-4.00 ERA and strong strikeout rates. His durability also stood out. He appeared in more than 65 games in 2022 and stayed a key fixture in 2023 before becoming a free agent.

While Houston expressed interest in bringing back experienced bullpen help, the Astros front office focused early this offseason on internal depth and potential value signings. As a result, Maton’s market grew elsewhere, and the Cubs ultimately offered the multi-year commitment he sought.

Why It Matters for the Houston Astros

Maton’s departure leaves another hole in a bullpen that already faces questions heading into 2025. The Astros lost key innings last season due to injuries and inconsistent performance. Because Maton handled both middle relief and pressure spots, his absence removes a dependable option from manager Joe Espada’s toolbox.

Houston still has a core group of relievers, including Ryan Pressly, Bryan Abreu, and Kendall Graveman, although Graveman is expected to miss much of the season after shoulder surgery. With Maton no longer an option, the Astros may need to explore:

• Low-cost veteran relievers still on the market
• Internal arms such as Shawn Dubin or Forrest Whitley
• Potential bullpen additions at the trade deadline

Because the Astros operate with a tighter payroll than in past seasons, losing Maton to a team willing to guarantee two years is not a surprise. However, the club must now find a way to replace his reliability and experience.

What’s Next for Houston

The Astros are expected to continue evaluating bullpen options as spring training approaches. The team has had success developing relievers in-house, but adding a veteran with Maton’s dependability would help ease the workload for younger pitchers.

Houston’s front office may seek value signings later in the offseason, a strategy that has worked well in past years. The Astros could also lean heavily on pitching coach Josh Miller’s track record of maximizing under-the-radar arms.

While Maton will now take his talents to Chicago, his impact in Houston remains appreciated. Astros fans will remember his calm presence, postseason contributions, and consistent work across three playoff-bound rosters.

This article is a summary of reporting by the Chicago Sun-Times. Read the full story here.