In June, the Cleveland Guardians signed left-handed Matthew Boyd to a one-year deal and helped him finish off his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
The Guards intended to get a healthy version of Boyd for the second half and, hopefully, the postseason.
Their bet paid off in a huge way, as Boyd pitched 39.2 innings of a brilliant 2.72 ERA in the 2024 regular season with Cleveland.
Then, in the playoffs, he went on to allow just one earned run in 11.2 frames, good for a 0.77 ERA.
Cleveland wanted to retain him but the Chicago Cubs ended up offering a two-year, $29 million pact to secure his services.
The classy Guardians didn’t forget Boyd’s contributions in their postseason run and thanked him, wishing him the best in his new adventure.
“Thank you for everything, Matthew, and best of luck in Chicago,” the Guards posted on X.
Thank you for everything, Matthew, and best of luck in Chicago. 🫡#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/1LaMNlh0Pe
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) December 8, 2024
Cleveland, not long after seeing Boyd sign in the Windy City, retained ace Shane Bieber on a one-year deal with a player option for 2026.
Still, it would have been nice to have a proven, veteran lefty like Boyd to help stabilize the rotation.
Fans loved him during his brief stint in Cleveland, but now they will have to get used to the idea of seeing him with a different uniform.
He made some really important starts for the Guardians down the stretch and in the postseason, and was mostly effective in his role.
The Guards’ quest to add more pitching shouldn’t end in Bieber and has to deliver at least another top pitcher whether it is via free agency or trade.
NEXT: Guardians Could Potentially Find A Trade Partner In The Orioles
