Chicago, IL – In a season full of surprises, one name has stood out on the mound for the Chicago Cubs: Matthew Boyd. The 34-year-old lefty, once considered a risky signing due to past injuries, is now making headlines as one of baseball’s most reliable pitchers.
Introduction
When the Cubs signed Matthew Boyd to a two-year, $29 million deal last December, not many fans expected him to become an All-Star. But baseball is a game of second chances, and Boyd has grabbed his with both hands. His story is a reminder that sometimes, the best moves are the ones nobody sees coming.
Boyd’s Breakout Season
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All-Star Selection: Boyd was named to his first All-Star team in July 2025, a huge achievement for the veteran who has played for five different MLB teams in his career.
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Dominant Stats: As of the All-Star break, Boyd holds a 10-3 record with a 2.34 ERA, ranking among the top pitchers in the National League. He’s allowed two runs or fewer in nine straight starts, the longest such streak in the majors this year.
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Recent Performance: On July 12, Boyd delivered a masterclass against the New York Yankees, tossing eight scoreless innings and striking out six batters. He didn’t allow a single walk, and this was his third shutout start in his last four outings.
How Did He Do It?
Boyd’s turnaround is a mix of experience, smart pitching, and a bit of luck. After recovering from Tommy John surgery and a flexor tendon injury, he rebuilt his mechanics and confidence. The Cubs’ coaching staff have also played a key role, letting Boyd focus on his strengths—mainly his fastball and slider combo.
Pitch Arsenal
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Fastball: 89–93 MPH, topping out at 96 MPH.
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Slider: 83 MPH, his most effective offspeed pitch.
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Curveball & Changeup: Used to keep hitters guessing.
The Cubs’ Secret Weapon
Boyd has become the Cubs’ “stopper”—the guy they turn to after a loss. The team is 29-10 following a defeat, and much of that resilience is thanks to Boyd’s steady hand on the mound. His leadership and calm presence have helped stabilize a rotation that was full of question marks at the start of the year.
Looking Ahead
Although Boyd was selected for the All-Star Game, the Cubs decided not to let him pitch in the Midsummer Classic, preferring to keep him fresh for the playoff push. With the Cubs in contention and Boyd pitching better than ever, fans on the North Side have a lot to be excited about.
Quick Facts
| Stat | 2025 Season (as of July) |
|---|---|
| Wins-Losses | 10-3 |
| ERA | 2.34 |
| Innings Pitched | 111.2 |
| Strikeouts | 102 |
| All-Star Selection | Yes (First Time) |
Conclusion
Matthew Boyd’s journey is proof that hard work and patience can pay off, even when the odds are against you. The Cubs bet on Boyd, and now he’s paying them back with every pitch. If he keeps this up, Chicago might just have found their ace when they needed him most.
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