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MLB: Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks MLB: Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks Mar 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cubs second base Matt Shaw (6) celebrates after hitting a two run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seventh inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs ‘looking into’ replacing Matt Shaw, per general manager

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 3:04 PM ET

Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw was officially put on the hot seat before the team’s contest against the Boston Red Sox on Friday.

Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins told the “Rahimi & Harris Show” on 670 The Score that the team was “looking into” finding an option to replace Shaw as the starting third baseman this season.

“You look around the league at young hitters that are going to play really, really well that aren’t currently just haven’t made the adjustment yet to the league. You saw what happened with Pete (Crow-Armstrong) last year. We fully expect that to be Matt as he continues to make adjustments.

“But we’re also at some critical times right now where development can’t be the focus on our major league club. So it’s something that we’ll be looking into. But we have a lot of confidence in Matt Shaw and his ability to be a great player for us moving forward.”

The Chicago Cubs are trying to be patient with Matt Shaw

Shaw struggled early in the season, prompting the Cubs to send the rookie down to Triple-A in April. He had a brief hot streak when he returned to the majors, but is batting .198 with two home runs and 15 RBI for the season.

Chicago wants to compete for a World Series, and they know that third base is the weak link for the offense.

Hawkins believes Shaw will eventually become a solid hitter, but is also weighing the fact that the Cubs need more offense out of their third baseman in the lineup.

MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs first baseman Justin Turner (3) and infielder Matt Shaw (left) (6) (right) after the loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

“You go to baseball reference and you got 0.9 B war or something like that, which is which is not nothing,” Hawkins said. “And it’s certainly something that’s helped us win some games in some certain places. But obviously, offensively, we want more out of that position.

“And that could just be Matt, right? Like Matt, we feel really strongly about his bat. We think that he’s going to be a good hitter.”

Shaw has not recorded a hit since July 2, going without a hit in his last eight outings.

MLB: Spring Training Chicago Cubs at Hanshin Tigers Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw (center) listens to manager Craig Counsell (second from left) during the fifth inning against the Hanshin Tigers at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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