Cubs Hold All Leverage in Matt Shaw Trade Talks: Chicago Looks to Maximize Value Before Moving Young Talent

As the MLB offseason continues to roll along, rumors surrounding Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw are heating up. With the Cubs recently signing Alex Bregman to a massive five-year, $175 million contract, Shaw’s future with the team appears uncertain. The addition of Bregman—who will slot in at third base—leaves Shaw in a bit of a bind.

For Shaw, a promising 24-year-old infielder, the situation couldn’t be more complex. With the Cubs’ infield already locked in with Bregman at third, Dansby Swanson at shortstop, and Nico Hoerner at second base, Shaw finds himself on the outside looking in. Not only do those three players rarely take a day off, but they are all entrenched as key members of the team’s future.

In a season that could prove critical for his career, Shaw’s playing time in 2026 is expected to be limited. While there may be occasional opportunities for him in the outfield, the reality is that Shaw may not see regular playing time on a consistent weekly basis. As a result, his name continues to emerge in trade rumors as the Cubs seek to capitalize on his value while navigating their roster crunch.

The Cubs’ Leverage: Why Chicago Is in Control of the Situation

Despite the growing speculation surrounding Shaw’s future with the Cubs, one thing is clear—the team is in a strong position. Chicago holds all the leverage when it comes to any potential trade talks involving their young third baseman. The Cubs have no immediate need to part ways with Shaw, and they have the luxury of keeping him as a super-utility player in 2026.

For a team like the Cubs, who have invested heavily in their infield for the foreseeable future, trading Shaw would require the right deal to be struck. With six years of team control remaining, Shaw’s contract is a valuable asset. Even if the Cubs decide to trade him, they will be looking for a substantial return in exchange for his services.

This makes any potential trade extremely complicated. As ESPN insider Jeff Passan pointed out on social media recently, “Dealing Matt Shaw is complicated because the Cubs believe there’s more than he showed last season, but teams are valuing him closer to the guy he was than the guy he might be.” Passan’s comments underscore the difficult balancing act for the Cubs—they know Shaw’s potential is higher than his past production, but other teams might not be willing to pay a premium for that upside.

The Boston Red Sox: A Desperate Need for a Third Baseman

At this point in the offseason, the Boston Red Sox appear to be one of the few teams in urgent need of a third baseman. After losing Alex Bregman to free agency, the Red Sox have struggled to find a suitable replacement at the hot corner. This has led to increased speculation that Boston could be one of the teams pursuing Shaw.

According to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox have had discussions with the Cubs about the possibility of acquiring Shaw. This is significant, as it highlights the team’s desire to strengthen their roster before the 2026 season kicks off. However, the Cubs’ strong position in trade talks means that Boston will have to go the extra mile to secure Shaw’s services.

The Cubs are in no rush to move Shaw, and they are unlikely to give him up unless the return is substantial. For the Red Sox, this means that any deal with Chicago would require them to overpay, which could include parting with one of their top pitching prospects.

A High Asking Price: Can the Red Sox Meet Chicago’s Demands?

If the Red Sox are serious about acquiring Shaw, they would likely have to part ways with one of their most promising pitching prospects. Names like Payton Tolle and Connelly Early have been mentioned as potential trade chips for Boston, but there is no indication that the Red Sox are willing to move either of them at this point.

The Cubs, meanwhile, would be in no hurry to trade Shaw without receiving significant value in return. While Shaw is a player with potential, he has yet to fully break out at the MLB level. Despite this, the Cubs believe the best is still ahead for the young infielder, which only increases their desire to hold onto him and maximize his trade value.

Chicago’s front office understands that Shaw’s versatility and youth make him an asset, and they will not simply trade him for the sake of making a deal. If a team isn’t willing to meet the Cubs’ asking price, the Cubs are more than happy to keep Shaw in their system and use him as a super-utility player in 2026.

The Cubs’ Long-Term Vision: Shaw’s Future in Chicago

As much as Shaw’s immediate future with the Cubs seems uncertain, Chicago’s long-term vision for the player remains strong. The team has a significant amount of time left to control Shaw, and they are in no rush to move him unless the deal is right. While the Cubs could look to trade Shaw to address other areas of their roster, they also have the option to keep him around as a flexible option in 2026.

Shaw’s potential as a utility player is also valuable to Chicago, who may prefer to have him available for spot starts, pinch-hitting opportunities, and defensive versatility rather than trading him away for the sake of making a roster move. This flexibility could prove to be crucial as the Cubs look to remain competitive in the National League Central in 2026.

Could Shaw’s Trade Be the Start of a Larger Rebuild for Chicago?

With a roster full of established talent and young prospects on the horizon, the Cubs are in a unique position to build a team that could contend for years to come. If they do decide to trade Shaw, it would likely signal a shift toward a more aggressive rebuild, with a focus on bolstering their pitching staff or adding other key pieces to the roster.

However, given the Cubs’ strong position in these trade talks, it’s just as likely that they’ll hold onto Shaw for the foreseeable future. The team will need to carefully weigh their options and consider the potential return for Shaw, knowing that any trade they make will have long-term implications on the trajectory of their roster.

Shaw’s Potential Future: What Could His Career Look Like?

While Shaw’s immediate future in Chicago remains up in the air, there is no doubt that he has a bright future in the major leagues. As a young player with a ton of upside, Shaw could be a key contributor to a team’s infield for many years to come. Whether he stays with the Cubs or is traded to another team, Shaw’s talent is undeniable.

For the Cubs, the goal is to extract the maximum value for Shaw while ensuring they remain competitive in the short term. If they can find the right trade partner, Chicago could land a valuable asset or two in return for Shaw’s services. On the other hand, if no deal materializes, the Cubs will continue to have a versatile player in Shaw, who could play a role in their success as a utility player.

The Verdict: Will Shaw Be Traded?

Ultimately, the question of whether Matt Shaw will be traded remains unanswered. The Cubs are in no rush to move the young infielder, and they have all the leverage in the trade talks. With Shaw’s potential and team control, any trade would require a steep price. Teams like the Red Sox, who are desperate for a third baseman, may be willing to overpay, but they will need to meet the Cubs’ high asking price.

For now, Shaw remains a key figure in the Cubs’ future plans—whether he stays or goes, his role will be an important one in shaping the team’s future in the coming seasons.