Matthew Boyd Becomes Free Agent After Leaving Chicago Cubs

Matthew Boyd is now a free agent after choosing to decline a $15 million mutual option with the Chicago Cubs, opting instead for a $2 million buyout.

Boyd, who will turn 36 in February, has faced durability challenges, including significant injuries that limited his innings pitched from 2021 to 2024. Despite these issues, he made 53 starts and recorded a 3.50 ERA over his two-year, $29 million contract with the Cubs.

His performance in the 2026 season was impacted by a knee surgery, which raised questions about his ability to induce weak contact. While he may be seen as a valuable innings-eater for teams needing stability in their rotation, a one-year contract is the most likely outcome as he seeks to prove his health and effectiveness.