Phil

Maton

This is the first update we’ve had on Palencia since he was put on the injured list back on April 17th. It seems that Palencia won’t need a rehab assignment before returning to the Cubs. We’ll wait to see if Palencia can progress enough to actually return this weekend, but it seems like he’s not far off. That would take away most of the fantasy value for Ben Brown and Phil Maton.

Maton rejoins Chicago’s high-leverage mix following a nearly three-week absence due to knee tendinitis. The 33-year-old’s lengthy history is key spots would suggest he’ll get a chance to work the ninth inning while both Daniel Palencia and Caleb Thielbar on the injured list, but the Cubs will probably opt against throwing him right into the fire, especially since he’s allowed six runs in four innings this season.

The Cubs made a couple of bullpen moves on Sunday afternoon, leading to speculation that Maton would be activated, but he’ll have to wait at least another day. With Daniel Palencia and Caleb Thielbar both shelved, the door is open for Maton to assume high-leverage work as long as he pitches well for the Cubs. He’s worth a look in deeper leagues for those speculating on saves.

The right-hander is already with the team in Los Angeles and will either be activated on Sunday or Monday. Maton struggled through his first five outings with the team before landing on the injured list with right knee tendinitis on April 10. Given the current state of the Cubs’ bullpen though, he’ll almost immediately be thrust into high-leverage situations upon his return. He could be worth a look for those speculating on saves in deeper leagues.

Maton had appeared in five games for the Cubs to date, allowing six earned runs and walking four batters while allowing one home run. Ethan Roberts will take over a low-leverage role in the Cubs pen in his stead.

Jon Heyman reported earlier today that Maton is guaranteed $14.5 million. The 32-year-old posted a career-best 2.79 ERA while throwing 60-plus innings for a fifth straight season in 2025. Also important was that his velocity crept back up; his 90.4 mph average on his fastball is well below average, but it’s two mph better than where he was in 2024. He’ll probably work as a setup man in the Cubs pen.

He could make an additional $500,000 in incentives over the two seasons. Maton will probably wind up as a setup man in Chicago, though that’s still to be determined. As of right now, it’d presumably be he and Daniel Palencia for the eighth and ninth, but the team still could bring a big-name closer.

Maton will also get a club option for 2028. The 32-year-old pitched for the Rangers and Cardinals in 2025 while compiling a 2.79 ERA over 61 1/3 innings with a K/BB ratio of 81/23. He’ll be a high-leverage option for Chicago, but seems unlikely to be the closer for the Cubs which limits the fantasy value considerably.

Maton was tasked with protecting a two-run lead in the final frame and needed just 14 pitches (eight strikes) to slam the door. The 32-year-old veteran proved to be a worthwhile pickup at the trade deadline to bolster Texas’ high-leverage mix, but an avalanche of injuries to significant contributors wound up torpedoing their playoff aspirations.

It looked like the Rangers would give Shawn Armstrong a chance for a two-inning save today, but after retiring four in a row, he walked Isaac Collins with one out in the ninth. Maton entered then and retired Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio for his first save since Aug. 5. Armstrong remains the favorite for saves in Texas.