The Chicago Cubs have several clear issues to address on their roster, with the starting rotation standing out as the most pressing concern right now.
Injuries have taken a toll on the rotation, and even the healthy starters have struggled, leaving the Cubs in urgent need of pitching help this summer. To bolster that group, Chicago may have to consider moving some valuable pieces, including one 24-year-old who fits that profile.
As Mark Feinsand of MLB.com noted, 24-year-old infielder Matt Shaw is emerging as a trade candidate this season due to the team’s pitching needs and a crowded infield that could block him from securing a long-term role.
Cubs’ Matt Shaw named trade chip amid infield and rotation problems
“With both second and third base locked up for the foreseeable future, Shaw appears to be a player without a home on the diamond,” Feinsand writes.
Because Shaw doesn’t currently have a clear path in the infield, his long-term alternative could be a move to the outfield. That’s a possible solution, but the Cubs would ideally prefer to keep him at his natural infield positions.
However, with Alex Bregman entrenched at third base and Nico Hoerner at second, Shaw could ultimately be more valuable as a trade asset.
“The Cubs figure to be in the market for a starting pitcher this summer, and given that their farm system has fallen from MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 ranking two years ago to No. 23 prior to this season, Chicago may have to deal from its big league roster,” Feinsand writes.
Given the Cubs’ clear rotation needs and the lack of a defined long-term role for Shaw, moving him could be a practical way to address the pitching gap.
Using Shaw in a deal could also help Chicago target a pitcher from a team that may see itself as closer to contention than a rebuilding club like the Colorado Rockies.
Shaw is already big-league ready, which makes him more attractive in trade discussions than a prospect who still carries uncertainty about reaching the majors.
The 24-year-old, once a top Cubs prospect, has shown promise in his early MLB action, posting a .690 OPS and 98 OPS+ while offering solid baserunning and strong defense.
There is still room for growth, and a fresh start with a team that can use him at his natural positions of second or third base could benefit his development.
Ultimately, Shaw stands out as a logical trade candidate for Chicago this season, and one who could help the Cubs land the starting pitcher they urgently need.