In 2024, the Cleveland Guardians gave rehabbing lefty Matthew Boyd more than a chance.
They signed him to a one-year deal when he was still recovering from Tommy John surgery, betting on a return to form and working with him to take advantage of all his skills.
The results were outstanding: not only did he post a 2.72 ERA in 39.2 innings in 2024 with more than a strikeout per inning, but he also was one of Cleveland’s most reliable pitchers in the postseason.
A free agent after the World Series, Boyd opted for a lucrative offer from the Chicago Cubs.
Guardians fans hold no hard feelings, understanding the nature of the game.
Boyd, likewise, will be forever grateful to the Guardians and has shared that sentiment on more than one occasion.
Perhaps more importantly, he praised the organization’s pitching lab on Thursday, saying that it helped save his career and put it back on track.
“I’m so grateful for what they did for my career,” Boyd said.
Matthew Boyd confirms that The Cleveland Pitching Factory is the real deal.
“I’m so grateful for what they did for my career” @FanDuel | #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/FkaxGIZRdE
— gabb (@gabbgoudy) July 17, 2025
Boyd praised Guardians pitching coach Carl Willis and his assistants Joe Torres and Brad Goldberg for helping him become a better version of himself.
Boyd was coming off a 5.45 ERA in 2023 with the Detroit Tigers and was famous for his home run issues before that, so the Guardians helped him transform into the pitcher he is today: a force from the left side capable of putting up a 2.34 ERA in 111.2 innings with the Cubs this year.
It’s too bad the Guards didn’t push harder for a reunion.
NEXT: Analyst Warns Guardians About Trading Away All-Star Outfielder
