Matt Shaw, a young and skilled baseball player, has demonstrated impressive adaptability this season, especially in making swift adjustments at third base. His 2025 campaign, while not yet fully blossomed offensively, shows promise as he continues to develop his game and build on his early experiences.

Despite a modest batting line of .210/.285/.304 with a 69 wRC+, Shaw’s rookie season cannot be labeled disappointing considering the challenge of mastering a new position at the major league level. At just 23 years old and early in his professional career, Shaw is navigating steep learning curves both defensively and offensively as he adjusts to big league pitching.

Improvements Visible in Recent Games and Adjustments Made

After the All-Star break, Shaw exhibited flashes of stronger performance, notably in a recent series against the Boston Red Sox, where he collected four hits across three games, including a standout home run. This display of pull-side power aligns with earlier observations that Shaw would benefit from focusing more on generating lift toward the pull field to unlock greater offensive potential.

The adjustments to Shaw’s hitting approach have been ongoing through the season. Brendan Miller’s detailed tracking of Shaw’s stance and mechanics underscores a trend of experimentation aimed at finding a sustainable and effective setup at the plate.

Chronicling Matt Shaw’s adjustments this season: — March 18 to April 11: Inverted foot, deep stance, rigid posture, leg kick— May 19: Less inversion, upright stance, looser posture, toned-down leg kick— June 27: No inversion, toe tap, bat rests on shoulder— July 11 : No toe… pic.twitter.com/hEIwP1ogXn— Brendan Miller (@brendan_cubs) July 19, 2025

This evolution reflects a shift from an originally closed stance and cross-body stride—hallmarks of Shaw’s minor league days—toward a stance that is flush or slightly open. This modification is significant because it could better support his ability to drive the ball with consistent pull-side power, particularly in situations where that approach would be advantageous.

Defensive Reliability and Role on the Cubs

Shaw’s defensive skills at third base provide the Chicago Cubs with a solid baseline, reinforcing his value even as his offensive game continues to develop. Unless the Cubs secure a starting-caliber third baseman through trade or other moves in the near future, Shaw will likely remain the primary option at the hot corner for the remainder of the season.

There is precedent within the organization for players making significant progress after midseason adjustments, as seen with Pete Crow-Armstrong and Miguel Amaya last year. Such developments raise cautious optimism that Shaw could similarly elevate his performance with continued refinements.

Potential Future Roles and Roster Flexibility

Should the Cubs choose to pursue upgrades offensively at third base for the short term, it would not diminish Shaw’s potential long-term value. His defensive versatility, contact abilities, and speed on the bases position him as an important asset to the team, whether as a regular starter or a key member of the bench.

In scenarios where the Cubs trade for a rental third baseman, Shaw’s capacity to play effectively across the infield and contribute in multiple dimensions could offer the team a notable upgrade on their bench, adding depth and flexibility heading into the latter part of the 2025 season.