Chicago Cubs: Why Matt Shaw starting rehab soon really matters now

Matt Shaw, in one way or another, figures heavily into these future plans. That’s why the 24-year-old about to start his rehab assignment at Triple-A Iowa is taking on an exaggerated level of importance.

The sophomore utility player was placed on the IL on May 22 (retroactive to May 20) with mild back tightness and is right on track for a comfortable return to the big league Cubs.

“Matt’s doing super well,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters on Friday in St. Louis. “The plan kind of remains intact that we think he’s going to be able to start a rehab assignment on Tuesday in Iowa. So, assuming everything progresses like it progresses, he’s going to have basically a full weekend of kind of normal pregame stuff. He should be good to go on Tuesday in Iowa.”

Shaw’s status as a pivotal player in this team’s trajectory—despite not having a full-time starting spot—comes directly from his value as an underutilized talent with a high ceiling and a whole career ahead of him.

Trade bait or building block?

If the Cubs chose to shop him around, they’d find takers. He’s a guy who could be plugged right into a lineup and begin to contribute immediately, especially at third base or second base. He would be doing so with Chicago if they hadn’t acquired third baseman Alex Bregman in the offseason. His current .242 batting average doesn’t fully reflect how far he’s come along, offensively, since his rookie 2025 season and he’ll probably keep getting better.

The Cubs are taking a good long look at no. 2 prospect Pedro Ramirez who was brought up to replace Shaw as the super utility man on the 26-man roster. If Ramirez pans out as everyone seems to expect, Shaw could be valuable yet expendable trade bait.

The front office, however, may find Shaw’s presence more valuable than his trade worth. With Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki eligible for free agency at the end of this season, Shaw could be converted to a full-time corner outfielder to take one of those spots. He also has big-time value as a backup in case of injury to guys like Bregman or Nico Hoerner.

All of this is why it’s noteworthy that Shaw will be back to the team soon. From there, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether he’ll be used as a super sub or as trade capital.