What happens when a $29 million veteran pitcher becomes so genuinely nice that his teammates call him “annoying” for being too kind? In a sport built on fierce competition and towering egos, this Cubs southpaw has somehow earned universal respect not for his dominant curveball, but for his heart. MLB players across the league are delivering powerful messages about his character that’ll surprise you. Want to guess who?

Well, you know what they say about actions speaking louder than words, and Matthew Boyd’s wholesome nature has been doing exactly that all season long. The Cubs’ left-hander isn’t just winning hearts with his genuine kindness – he’s been dominating hitters with equal measure, posting an 8-3 record with a 2.65 ERA that’s got Chicago fans dreaming of October baseball again. Boyd has been the most impactful pitcher on the entire Cubs staff, and tbh, it makes sense when you look at his incredible consistency – he’s made 17 starts this season, already surpassing his total from any entire season since 2019. His 2.65 ERA ranks among the best in the league, and with 87 strikeouts in 98.2 innings, he’s showing the kind of dominance that makes him a true difference-maker on the mound.

But here’s where it gets interesting – Boyd’s impact goes way beyond the stat sheet. “Really, he’s the nicest player in the game,” Detroit Tigers starter Casey Mize, Boyd’s former teammate, tells USA TODAY Sports. “Sometimes, too nice. I want to tell him, ‘It’s annoying dude. You’re too nice. Do you ever have a bad day?'” That’s quite the endorsement from a fellow pitcher who’s seen Boyd up close and personal.

Tigers All-Star outfielder Riley Greene sums up what makes Boyd so special: “He’s one of best humans I’ve ever met in my life. He’s just awesome. When I came up as a young kid, he was just one of those guys who taught me how to carry myself, what to do, teach the ins and outs of baseball. And he was super approachable. It’s tough to not root for him because he’s such a great guy, and he’s fun to compete against too because he’s a great competitor.”

Just weeks ago, Boyd demonstrated why teammates and fans respect him beyond his 2.65 ERA. During a Cubs-Mariners game, J.P. Crawford‘s 104.7 mph liner rocketed toward the mound. Boyd’s reflexes kicked in, snatching what manager Craig Counsell called an “incredible catch.”

The catch bruised Boyd’s shoulder and forced his exit, but what amazed everyone was Crawford’s visible concern for Boyd’s wellbeing. That mutual respect doesn’t happen by accident – it’s earned through years of being the person his teammates describe as genuinely kind.

Cubs’ Matthew Boyd breaks silence on free agent choice

When Cubs’ Matthew Boyd finally broke his silence on his free agent decision, his words revealed everything about the man his teammates describe as “too nice.” Boyd’s character runs deeper than Casey Mize’s playful complaint about his kindness – it drives every choice he makes, including the one that brought him to Chicago.

“The Cubs expressed a lot of interest early, and the most interest,” Boyd explained when reporters asked about his decision. Boyd built his attraction to Chicago on something beyond typical free-agent priorities. “This is a place where I’ve always wanted to be, and there were so many reasons for us to be here, but I didn’t know if it would ever happen,” he admitted, his voice carrying the weight of a childhood dream finally realized.

Boyd delivered the real revelation when he opened up about his family connection to the Cubs. “This franchise has got such a great history, and the fans are so into it, but there’s a family connection here that was important to us,” Boyd shared. That connection traces back to his grandfather John Boyd, a diehard Cubs fan who passed away in 2019. Boyd didn’t just make a baseball decision – he honored a man who taught him the values that make teammates call him “annoying” for being too kind.

This perspective explains why even opponents like J.P. Crawford worry about Boyd’s well-being after hitting line drives at him – a genuine character like his commanding respect in professional sports. Boyd’s words paint a picture of someone who views baseball through the lens of family legacy rather than personal gain, making his Cubs journey as much about honoring the past as building his future.