Matthew Boyd becomes 3rd Cubs player to reach major career milestone in 2026

Coming out of the All-Star break, Matthew Boyd delivered six innings of one earned run baseball as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Minnesota Twins by a score of 6-2. This outing marked Boyd’s third straight of covering at least six innings and gave him a 2.45 ERA so far in July. Remarkably, he also surpassed a major career milestone by passing the 10 years of MLB service time threshold.

10 years of MLB service time is something few players accomplish, with less than 10% or 1,000-2,000 total players having reached it. Significantly, it grants players a fully vested pension following their playing days and also provides them with 10-and-5 rights, or the ability to veto any trade scenario.

Boyd’s journey to 10 years of MLB service time resembles a story of resilience, but interestingly he also is the third Cubs player to reach this accomplishment in 2026.

Matthew Boyd joins Chicago Cubs teammates Jameson Taillon and Alex Bregman with 10 years of MLB service time

Earlier this year, Jameson Taillon and Alex Bregman reached 10 years of MLB service time. Boyd, age 35, is the oldest of the group, making his MLB Debut in 2015, whereas Taillon, age 34, and Bregman, age 32, both debuted in 2016. Injuries, including undergoing Tommy John surgeries, as well as inconsistencies on the mound, all played a part in why Boyd is the last of this group to reach this milestone.

That said, reaching 10 years of MLB service time is a testament to both talent and perseverance, and Boyd’s path to the milestone reflects just how much he has overcome throughout his career. After battling injuries and enduring the ups and downs that come with more than a decade in the majors, he has not only earned one of baseball’s most meaningful career achievements but is also once again playing a key role on a Cubs team with postseason aspirations.

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