Cubs' Craig Counsell Makes Matt Shaw Admission

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated May 18, 2025 2:30 PM ET

There's been plenty of Matt Shaw buzz for the Chicago Cubs over the past few weeks. With Justin Turner not swinging the bat at the level that the Cubs were hoping for when they landed him, Shaw would likely be the better option right now.

However, the Cubs have made it known that until they believe he can take quality at-bats at the big league level, they'll keep him down in Triple-A. When speaking to reporters after the Cubs' win against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday, skipper Craig Counsell essentially said the same thing.

He added that he's attempting to simplify things and be on time with as many pitches as possible.

“I think that’s along the lines of what he’s working on,” Counsell said, per Marquee Sports Network. “All hitters are trying to simplify everything they do to be on time with as many pitches as they can.”

Counsell later added that at some point, he's hopeful that the team will be able to say he can have a shot again.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to say, ‘It’s time to give this a shot again,’ ” Counsell said. “But for us to say, ‘Yeah, this is it. He’s ready for sure,’ … he’s going to be challenged in the big leagues again, like every young player is.”

When that shot comes will be more important for Shaw and the Cubs.

However, having hit .400 during his time in Triple-A over his last eight games, Shaw has proven to be ready to come back up.

He seems to be in a better place mentally, which might've been the bigger issue after struggling mightily with a .172 batting average in his first 58 MLB at-bats.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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