Trading Matt Shaw Would Be A Massive Mistake By The Cubs

The Future of the Chicago Cubs and the Invaluable Matt Shaw

The trade rumors surrounding Matt Shaw, the talented third baseman for the Chicago Cubs, have been circulating for quite some time. With the acquisition of Alex Bregman to take over the third base position, Shaw, who had hoped to cement his place in the lineup for 2026 and beyond, now faces the looming uncertainty of being traded away. While the Cubs’ front office clearly believed they needed to make an upgrade at third base before the season began, trading Shaw now would be a huge mistake — one that could cost the team dearly in the future.

Bregman’s Arrival: A Temporary Upgrade or A Long-Term Solution?

When the Cubs acquired Alex Bregman, they immediately filled the third base role with a seasoned veteran who has years of playoff experience under his belt. It’s a move that undeniably improves the team for the immediate future, as Bregman brings consistency, leadership, and a well-rounded skillset. With a career that includes multiple All-Star selections and World Series appearances, Bregman’s presence on the field is undoubtedly an upgrade over Shaw in the short term. However, there is a catch – while Bregman’s acquisition strengthens the Cubs for the 2026 season, it does not necessarily guarantee long-term success for the franchise.

The Bright Future Ahead for Matt Shaw

Let’s pause for a moment and reflect on Shaw’s potential. Matt Shaw is only 24 years old — a fact that should not be overlooked. Just 12 months ago, he was considered one of the top 20 prospects in all of baseball. A former first-round pick, Shaw’s upside was widely recognized, and his journey to the big leagues was anticipated by many. With just one season in the Major League Baseball (MLB) under his belt, Shaw has already demonstrated his ability to make adjustments and develop into a better player. Therefore, trading Shaw after a single full season would not only be premature, but it would also be a poor decision by the Cubs’ front office.

The Growth of Matt Shaw: From Struggles to Solid Performance

In 2025, Shaw had a rocky start to his Major League career. In the first half of the season, Shaw’s offensive numbers were disappointing. He posted a batting average of just .198 across 63 games, hitting only two home runs in that span. The Cubs’ management and fans were understandably concerned, as Shaw seemed to be struggling to adapt to big-league pitching. However, despite the rough start, Shaw’s second-half performance demonstrated his true potential and growth as a player. Over the final 63 games of the season, Shaw made significant strides at the plate, raising his batting average to .258, while also slashing impressive numbers of .317/.522 in on-base percentage and slugging percentage, respectively.

During the latter half of the season, Shaw hit 11 home runs, 10 doubles, drove in 29 RBI, and stole six bases—all solid numbers for a player just finding his rhythm at the highest level of baseball. Shaw’s improved plate discipline, coupled with his impressive ability to adjust, made it clear that he was no longer the same hitter who had struggled in the first half of the season. His growth at the plate shows that Shaw is capable of further improvement, and that his potential as a consistent offensive contributor is immense. This second-half surge only solidifies the argument that the Cubs should not give up on Shaw so early in his career.

Shaw’s Elite Defensive Skills: A Gold Glove Finalist in the Making

While Matt Shaw’s offensive improvement has captured the spotlight, it’s his defense that truly sets him apart. As a rookie, Shaw earned National League Gold Glove finalist honors at third base, a testament to his elite glove work and ability to make crucial plays. In addition to his skills at third base, Shaw’s versatility as a fielder is another asset that makes him indispensable to the Cubs’ future. He has shown that he is capable of playing multiple positions across the infield, including second base and shortstop, making him a highly valuable utility player for the team. Even more intriguing is Shaw’s recent work in the outfield at the Cubs’ Spring Training Complex, where he has been receiving reps in the outfield to expand his versatility further. This position flexibility gives Shaw a leg up over other players on the roster, as he can contribute at a variety of positions, providing the Cubs with more options when building out their lineup.

The Cubs’ Investment in Shaw: What Comes Next?

The Cubs’ coaching staff has spent significant time working with Shaw, focusing on refining his swing and unlocking his full potential at the plate. One of the key adjustments has been a reduction in Shaw’s leg kick during his batting stance. A recent video shared by John Antonoff highlighted Shaw’s noticeably reduced leg kick in batting practice, a promising development that could help him become a more consistent hitter. The leg kick is often a critical element of a batter’s swing, and by simplifying this movement, Shaw may unlock even more power and consistency at the plate. This adjustment, along with the lessons Shaw has learned in his first full MLB season, could prove to be the key to his growth as an offensive powerhouse for the Cubs.

The Cubs’ Decision: Trade Shaw or Build Around Him?

With the potential for offensive growth, defensive excellence, and position versatility, Matt Shaw represents the future of the Cubs. The Cubs’ front office must now ask themselves an important question: Should they trade Shaw away in exchange for a top pitching prospect, like Connelly Early, or should they hold on to him and develop him further? The latter option seems to be the more prudent move, given Shaw’s potential and the fact that he is still very early in his Major League career.

While trading Shaw could potentially bring in another valuable prospect, it would be a mistake to part with him after such a short time. Shaw’s offensive performance in the second half of the season, combined with his defensive prowess, makes him a player who can help the Cubs win now and in the future. More importantly, his potential for growth in the years to come means that the Cubs could very well have a future star on their hands. Giving up on him now would be a colossal mistake — one that could haunt the team for years.

The Cubs Are Better With Shaw

In conclusion, the Cubs are a better team with Matt Shaw on the roster than they would be without him. Despite the addition of Bregman and the allure of trading Shaw for a top pitching prospect, the Cubs should focus on developing Shaw’s potential and building around him for the future. Shaw’s offensive improvement, combined with his elite defensive skills and position versatility, make him an invaluable asset to the Cubs. It’s simply too early to give up on a player who has shown as much promise as Shaw has. Trading him now would be a massive mistake for the Cubs, one that could set the franchise back for years to come.