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2026 Fantasy Baseball Player Profile

Matthew Boyd authored one of the most impressive "second acts" of the 2025 season, transforming from a mid-rotation reclamation project into a frontline starter for the Cubs. Coming off a dominant 2024 return from Tommy John surgery, Boyd parlayed that momentum into a career-best campaign, finishing with a 14-8 record, a 3.21 ERA, and a 1.09 WHIP over 179.2 innings. His resurgence was fueled by a career-high 92.8 mph average fastball and an increased reliance on his changeup, which held opponents to a meager .198 batting average. His efforts were rewarded with his first career All-Star selection and a standout postseason performance, including 4.2 scoreless frames in a critical NLDS victory over the Brewers.

Entering 2026, the 35-year-old left-hander is the veteran anchor of a Chicago rotation that includes Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga. Currently in camp at Mesa, Boyd has reported no health issues and is preparing to represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Entering the final guaranteed year of his two-year, $29 million contract, he is motivated by both a $14.5 million salary and a $15 million mutual option for 2027. For fantasy managers, Boyd is a high-floor SP3 with an ADP around 145. While his advanced age may lead to some natural regression in his ratios, his elite command and high-volume workload on a competitive Cubs team make him a reliable source of wins and strikeouts.