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Cubs Starter Embracing Strengths, Aiming for Improved Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alvin Garcia | Last updated Mar 2, 2025 11:46 AM ET

As the Chicago Cubs gear up for the 2025 season, veteran pitcher Matthew Boyd is taking a different approach to his return, focusing on embracing his strengths rather than reinventing his game.

After battling injuries in recent years, Boyd is determined to get back to what made him successful in the first place.

Boyd, now 34, has had a rollercoaster of a career. In 2019, he showcased his strikeout potential, ranking among the league’s best with a 30.2% strikeout rate.

However, his susceptibility to giving up home runs led him to seek changes to his approach.

He worked with Driveline Baseball to limit hard contact and develop a changeup that he believed would complement his arsenal.

However, the transition led to unintended consequences, including decreased effectiveness in his other pitches and injuries that required two major surgeries.

Now fully recovered, Boyd has taken a step back to reassess what makes him successful on the mound. He focuses on utilizing his fastball’s unique vertical approach angle—similar to pitchers like Aaron Nola and Freddy Peralta—while refining his slider, which was once one of his most effective pitches.

Rather than chasing reinvention, Boyd is doubling down on what has always worked best for him.

With the help of Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy and the team’s development staff, Boyd is fine-tuning his mechanics and making minor but impactful tweaks.

The Cubs believe that a healthy Boyd, armed with a deeper understanding of his game, can be a valuable asset to their rotation. As the season approaches, Boyd and the Cubs are optimistic that his best years may still be ahead of him.

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

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