The Chicago Cubs are placing their bets on Matt Shaw, their top-ranked prospect, to solidify the troublesome third base position in 2025. After cycling through eight different players at third in 2024, the Cubs are eager for stability and offensive production at the hot corner. President of Operations, Jed Hoyer, has made it clear that while Shaw isn’t being handed the starting role, he will have every opportunity to earn it. Shaw’s impressive minor league performance, boasting a .303 batting average, 29 home runs, 99 RBIs, and 46 stolen bases in 159 games, certainly makes a strong case for his promotion. While some scouts have raised concerns about his arm strength at third, his offensive prowess and versatility, with the ability to play second base and shortstop, are seen as valuable assets.
The Cubs’ decision to prioritize Shaw at third base is further emphasized by recent roster moves. The trade that sent Isaac Paredes to Tampa Bay and Cam Smith to Houston, bringing Kyle Tucker to Chicago, cleared the path for Shaw. Additionally, shedding Clay Bellinger’s hefty contract in a trade with the New York Yankees freed up resources that Hoyer intends to allocate towards bolstering the pitching staff, further highlighting the team’s commitment to building around young talent like Shaw. With no immediate plans to pursue a free-agent third baseman, the stage is set for Shaw to make his mark in the majors.
The 2024 season showcased the instability at third base for the Cubs. A carousel of players, including Nick Madrigal, Miles Mastrobuoni, Christopher Morel, and Patrick Wisdom, failed to provide consistent production. Madrigal and Wisdom are now free agents, while Morel was traded mid-season. The revolving door at third underscores the Cubs’ need for a long-term solution, a role that Shaw appears poised to fill. David Bote, another player who saw time at third, also enters free agency, leaving the position largely open for competition. Michael Busch, primarily a first baseman, is viewed as a valuable defensive asset at first and is unlikely to be moved.
Shaw’s potential arrival comes at a time when the Cubs are looking to revitalize a position historically occupied by impactful offensive players. The legacy of Cubs third basemen includes Hall of Famer Ron Santo, a five-time Gold Glove winner and nine-time All-Star, who set a high bar for offensive production. Other notable third basemen in Cubs history, such as Bill Madlock, a two-time batting champion with the Cubs and four-time overall, and Heinie Zimmerman, the 1912 Triple Crown winner, further underscore the offensive expectations associated with the position. More recently, Aramis Ramirez provided consistent power and a solid batting average during his tenure in Chicago.
While Shaw faces the daunting task of living up to the legacy of these offensive powerhouses, his minor league numbers suggest he has the potential to be a significant contributor. His ability to hit for average, power, and steal bases offers a combination of skills that could make him a dynamic force in the Cubs lineup. The team’s emphasis on player development and their willingness to provide opportunities for young talent creates a favorable environment for Shaw to flourish.
The Cubs are banking on Matt Shaw to provide stability and offensive firepower at third base in 2025. His impressive minor league track record and the team’s commitment to giving him a fair shot at the starting role suggest a bright future for the young prospect. While comparisons to past Cubs greats are inevitable, Shaw has the opportunity to carve his own path and establish himself as a key player for the team moving forward. The Cubs’ hope is that Shaw can not only fill the void at third base but also contribute to a resurgence of offensive production at the position, reminiscent of the glory days of Santo, Madlock, and Ramirez. The 2025 season will be a crucial test for Shaw, and his performance will be closely scrutinized as he looks to cement his place in the long and storied history of Cubs third basemen.
