The Chicago Cubs are facing mounting difficulties at third base as Matt Shaw struggles to meet expectations this season, hitting just .207 with two home runs. With Shaw’s ongoing challenges, the team is exploring potential replacements to strengthen their lineup and improve their chances of contending.
Matt Shaw’s Continued Challenges at Third Base
Matt Shaw, who made the Cubs’ opening day roster and is regarded as one of their top prospects, has experienced a significant decline in performance after a promising start. Despite initially impressing during his call-up, he has hit a discouraging .207 overall and recorded only 41 hits in 198 at-bats, with 14 RBIs. This level of production falls short for a team aiming for a World Series run.
Shaw was briefly sent back to Triple-A Iowa after struggling early in the major leagues, then recalled, but his performance has since cooled off markedly. The Cubs have tried six different players at third base this season, none of whom have provided the consistent offense needed, leaving the position ranked 22nd out of 30 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB teams with a minus-0.5 Wins Above Average.
“That includes rookie and Cubs top prospect Matt Shaw. Shaw made the opening day roster but struggled mightily and was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. He was recalled shortly after and after a blistering hot first few weeks back in the major leagues, he has since cooled off again,”
—Andrew Wright, Newsweek
Potential Trade Targets as Cubs Seek to Upgrade Third Base
Given the ongoing struggles at the hot corner, analysts like Andrew Wright suggest the Cubs should consider acquiring an established power hitter to replace Shaw. One candidate widely mentioned is Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks, a proven slugger with over 300 career home runs.
The Diamondbacks are currently managing a spate of injuries but remain competitive. If Arizona recovers health-wise in the second half of the season, they may push for a playoff spot, reducing the chances that Chicago can secure Suarez through a trade. This adds urgency for the Cubs to act quickly or look for alternative solutions to shore up third base.
Broader Team Implications and Outlook for the Season
Matt Shaw’s struggles are symptomatic of wider challenges for the Cubs as they try to contend seriously this year. With third base causing persistent issues, and limited production from several players there, the front office faces crucial decisions about roster moves to avoid undermining their playoff hopes.
How the Cubs navigate the coming weeks—balancing player development with the desire to improve via trades—could shape their postseason chances significantly. Securing a reliable third baseman remains a priority as the team aims to reverse their fortunes and remain competitive in a demanding division.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Matt Shaw good?
A. At 23, Shaw is considered one of the top 20 baseball prospects. On Sunday, he made two outstanding defensive plays in the seventh inning. His impressive fielding skills have matched, or even surpassed, his batting since he came back from Triple-A Iowa.
Q. Can Matt Shaw play 3b?
A. They saw him as someone who could regularly play third base and were confident in his future, even after he was sent down. “It’s my job to perform well and prove myself,” Shaw stated.
Q. Who is Matt Shaw’s wife?
A. He is married to Brooke Shaw, and they reside in Kaysville, Utah. They have four children named Savanna, Easton, Eric, and Pennie Jean.