Cubs’ Roster Dilemma
The Chicago Cubs have not yet finalized whether top third base prospect Matt Shaw will be included on the Opening Day roster. The decision comes as the club prepares for an early-season start in the Tokyo Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 18 and 19.
Shaw’s Rise Through the Ranks
At 23 years old, Shaw is on the cusp of making his Major League debut. Drafted from Maryland in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft, he reached Triple-A in 2024—a rapid progression that signaled the club’s trust in his abilities. Following the trade of Isaac Paredes to the Houston Astros and missing out on a marquee free agent acquisition, Shaw naturally emerged as a frontrunner for the starting third baseman role.
Hitting the Learning Curve
In the early stages of spring training camp, Shaw was sidelined by an oblique injury, delaying his debut in the Grapefruit League until March 2. In limited action this spring, he recorded two hits in nine at-bats, notching an RBI while also experiencing a strikeout. Despite the modest sample, his minor league resume speaks volumes: across 159 games, Shaw has maintained a .303 average and showcased power with 29 home runs, complemented by 28 doubles and eight triples. His 99 RBIs, 46 stolen bases, and a .906 OPS underscore his potential as a dynamic contributor to the Cubs’ future.
A Promising Prospect Among Peers
Ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Cubs’ farm system and the No. 19 overall in baseball by MLB Pipeline, Shaw is highly regarded within the organization. Among third basemen, he sits in a competitive rank, trailing only behind the Baltimore Orioles’ Coby Mayo. Sources close to the club informed that even if Shaw does not immediately earn a spot in the active roster, he remains the long-term solution at the hot corner.
Implications for the Tokyo Series
As the team gears up for the international series in Tokyo, there is speculation that veteran free-agent signings Justin Turner and Jon Berti might be considered for the starting third baseman role should Shaw need additional development time. Nevertheless, the organization remains confident in Shaw’s prospects for a near-future call-up, ensuring that he will not have to wait long for a chance to prove himself on the big stage.
