Cubs reliever Phil Maton still showcasing passion for development in Year 10

SURPRISE, Ariz. — One of the advantages of signing early in the offseason for right-handed reliever Phil Maton was the extra months working with the Cubs’ coaching staff, providing a smooth transition into spring training.

“They've been on top of preparation, from pitch shaping, what do I wanted to do this offseason,” Maton said Monday. “Just been a lot of communication, pretty much, throughout the offseason.”

The two-year, $14 million contract Maton signed in late November was the...