Cubs Youngster Quietly Building Momentum During Spring Training as Matt Shaw Shows Signs of Breakout Potential

As Major League Baseball edges closer to Opening Day, the final stretch of Spring Training has become a crucial evaluation period for teams across the league. For the Chicago Cubs, a franchise that made several headline-grabbing moves during the offseason, these final weeks are especially important as the roster begins to take shape. With less than two weeks remaining before the regular season begins, manager Craig Counsell and the Cubs’ coaching staff are carefully assessing performances, and one young player has quietly emerged as one of the most intriguing storylines of the spring.

That player is Matt Shaw, the 24-year-old infielder who may not currently have a locked-in starting role but is steadily forcing his way into the conversation with an impressive showing during exhibition play. While much of the offseason attention surrounding the Cubs focused on the blockbuster signing of All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, Shaw has been quietly reminding the organization—and the fans—that his development remains a key part of Chicago’s long-term plans.

The Cubs’ aggressive offseason reshaped several areas of the roster, but the addition of Bregman had perhaps the most direct impact on Shaw’s immediate outlook. Prior to Bregman’s arrival, Shaw had been viewed as a potential everyday option at third base following an encouraging but inconsistent rookie campaign. Once the Cubs committed significant resources to bring Bregman to Chicago, however, Shaw’s path to a starting role at the hot corner suddenly became far less clear.

Despite that change in circumstances, the Cubs have continued to emphasize that Shaw remains firmly in their plans for the 2026 season. Rather than being sidelined, the young infielder is expected to serve as a versatile utility option who can contribute across multiple defensive positions. The organization believes his defensive ability translates well both in the infield and in the outfield, making him a valuable chess piece for Counsell as he constructs lineups throughout the long season.

Defense has rarely been a concern for Shaw. Throughout his rise through the minor leagues and into the major leagues, scouts and coaches have consistently praised his athleticism, instincts, and versatility on the field. The larger question entering this season centered around his offensive consistency, particularly after an up-and-down rookie year that saw flashes of promise mixed with stretches of adjustment at the plate.

During the early months of the 2025 season, Shaw’s bat struggled to find rhythm against major league pitching. Like many young hitters transitioning to the highest level of the sport, he faced a steep learning curve as opposing pitchers quickly identified areas to exploit. However, as the season progressed, Shaw began to make noticeable adjustments. Over the final three months of the campaign, he showed improved plate discipline, better contact quality, and a growing comfort in the batter’s box.

Those late-season adjustments appear to have carried directly into Spring Training this year. While the spotlight has largely remained on established veterans and newly acquired players, Shaw has been quietly producing one of the most impressive offensive performances in Cubs camp. In many ways, his spring could be viewed as a continuation of the progress he made during the latter portion of last season.

Through the first dozen exhibition games of the spring schedule, Shaw has been a regular presence in Chicago’s lineup, receiving consistent opportunities to prove himself. In those appearances, he has looked far more confident and controlled at the plate compared to earlier stages of his career. The numbers reflect that comfort as well.

In 12 Spring Training games, Shaw has posted a strong slash line of .333 batting average, .400 on-base percentage, and .467 slugging percentage. While exhibition statistics should always be viewed with caution, the underlying trends in Shaw’s performance are encouraging. He has demonstrated patience, drawing three walks while striking out just four times across 35 plate appearances.

Equally notable has been his activity on the basepaths. Shaw has stolen four bases during Spring Training, showcasing the athleticism and instincts that have long been part of his profile as a player. His speed and baserunning ability add another dimension to his game and further strengthen his case as a valuable contributor even if he is not penciled into the starting lineup every day.

From a developmental standpoint, the Cubs have been pleased with how Shaw has responded to the challenge of adjusting his role. For many young players, losing a projected starting position could create frustration or disrupt confidence. Instead, Shaw has approached the situation with maturity, focusing on improving his overall game and proving he can help the team in multiple ways.

That mentality has not gone unnoticed within the organization. Coaches have repeatedly highlighted Shaw’s work ethic during workouts and his willingness to adapt to different defensive assignments during Spring Training. By embracing versatility, he has positioned himself as a player who can fill several important roles throughout the season.

The question now facing the Cubs is how to balance Shaw’s continued development with the realities of a competitive roster. Chicago’s starting lineup features several established players, including Bregman at third base and Nico Hoerner in the middle infield. Both players are key contributors who will naturally command regular playing time, which could limit Shaw’s opportunities if the team strictly follows a traditional lineup structure.

Manager Craig Counsell may therefore need to be creative in order to maximize Shaw’s value while also ensuring the young infielder continues receiving meaningful at-bats. Counsell has built a reputation throughout his managerial career for flexibility and strategic lineup management, and Shaw’s skill set could provide the perfect opportunity to apply that approach.

One possible solution could involve rotating Shaw through multiple defensive positions, giving him occasional starts across the infield and outfield depending on matchups and rest days for other players. This strategy would allow Shaw to remain engaged offensively while also preserving the team’s preferred starting alignment most of the time.

Another factor working in Shaw’s favor is the improved depth of the Cubs’ bench compared to previous seasons. Last year, Chicago struggled at times with limited offensive production from reserve players. Shaw’s presence changes that dynamic considerably. His combination of contact hitting, speed, and defensive flexibility makes him a valuable asset late in games, whether entering as a pinch hitter, pinch runner, or defensive replacement.

Still, the long-term trajectory of Shaw’s career will depend heavily on consistent opportunities to face major league pitching. Development at the highest level requires repetition, and the Cubs will need to ensure he receives enough playing time to continue refining his offensive approach. If he remains limited to sporadic appearances, maintaining momentum could become difficult.

For now, however, Shaw’s performance this spring is sending a clear message. Even without a guaranteed starting role, he is determined to prove that he belongs in the Cubs’ plans moving forward. His steady production has already begun to raise interesting questions about how Chicago’s lineup could evolve once the regular season begins.

As Opening Day approaches, the Cubs find themselves in an encouraging position. The team has added star power during the offseason while also seeing promising development from younger players like Shaw. That combination of veteran leadership and emerging talent is often a formula for sustained success over a long season.

In many ways, Shaw’s progress embodies the broader goals of the organization. The Cubs are not simply trying to compete in the present—they are building a roster capable of contending for years to come. Developing young players who can contribute in meaningful ways remains a central part of that vision.

If Shaw continues performing at his current level, it will become increasingly difficult for the coaching staff to keep his bat out of the lineup. Whether through creative positioning, rotational rest days, or matchup-based decisions, the Cubs may soon find themselves searching for ways to ensure the young infielder stays involved.

That storyline could become one of the most fascinating narratives of the early 2026 season. Shaw has already shown that he can respond to adversity and adapt to changing circumstances. Now, the next step will be proving that his strong spring performance can translate into sustained production once the regular season begins.

For the Cubs and their fans, that possibility is an exciting one. If Matt Shaw’s quiet but impressive Spring Training is any indication, Chicago may have another rising talent ready to make a significant impact in the months ahead.