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Cubs' Matthew Boyd Breaks Silence on Free Agent Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 12:30 PM ET

During the 2025 offseason, the Chicago Cubs added starting pitcher Matthew Boyd to the starting rotation. He was slotted behind Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, and Jameson Taillon in the starting rotation.

Boyd wasn't expected to be a major contributor after injuries shortened seasons, and he struggled over the past couple of seasons. But he's found a home in Chicago. It was a great decision from both parties in the offseason.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today shared Boyd's comments on his decision to join the Cubs in the offseason.

"The Cubs expressed a lot of interest early, and the most interest," Boyd said. "... This is a place where I've always wanted to be, and there were so many reasons for us to be here, but I didn't know if it would ever happen."

Before the Cubs expressed their interest in Boyd, he was interested in joining the Cubs. His interest stems from his family, which he also explained in Nightengale's piece.

"This franchise has got such a great history," Boyd explained. "And the fans are so into it, but there's a family connection here that was important to us."

That family connection comes from Boyd's grandfather, John Boyd, who passed away in 2019. Boyd's grandfather was a diehard Cubs fan, and Boyd always viewed the Cubs as special due to that connection.

"It's pretty special to be here," Boyd said. "It's something that means a lot to me, to honor him like this."

The Cubs' decision to bring Boyd to the team in the offseason has not only been great for Boyd off the field, but it's worked out incredibly well on it.

In his 17 starts this season, Boyd has a 2.65 ERA, an 8-3 record, 87 strikeouts, and a 1.084 WHIP. He's making a strong All-Star case and is in the middle of his best season as a professional.

Boyd has been integral to the Cubs' success this season. He couldn't be in a better spot for himself, as he's able to honor his late grandfather, helping his favorite team make it back to the postseason.

His decision in the offseason to join the Cubs was something Boyd had been interested in doing for some time. Now in Chicago, things have gone incredibly well for Boyd. It's been a perfect fit, as Boyd's having a career year for a team he's had a connection to for some time.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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