Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Cubs Expected to Make Matt Shaw Decision At Trade Deadline Because of Kyle Tucker

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 8:00 PM ET

There are a few things that the Chicago Cubs have to consider with Kyle Tucker. To get things started, if the Cubs don't have a competitive offer for the left-handed hitting outfielder, they shouldn't even bother wasting his time. Tucker will depart in free agency, and everybody seems to understand that now.

There isn't a chance he will take a $300 million deal to make the Cubs front office happy. Tucker is a $500 to $600 million player, and will be rewarded with that type of deal by another team if Chicago doesn't want to hand it out.

Additionally, the Cubs must find ways to improve at the trade deadline and demonstrate to Tucker that they're willing to do whatever it takes to win.

When recently looking at what that could mean, On Tap Sports Net believes moving on from Matt Shaw in the short term could signal that.

“Matt Shaw, the highly regarded infield prospect, brought energy when he was called back up to the big leagues, and his versatility has been useful. However, the bat that made him a breakout candidate has cooled significantly. Through June, Shaw’s OPS has dipped, his strikeout rate has crept up, and the extra-base power has largely disappeared. He might still be part of the Cubs’ long-term plans, but in a go-for-it season, Chicago can’t afford to bet on hope that Shaw figures it out,” they wrote.

Shaw hasn't figured things out at the highest level, and it's tough to blame him too much. At only 23 years old, he was expected to face struggles when he made his debut. Unfortunately, in his 180 at-bats, he's hitting .222 with two home runs.

That won't cut it right now for the Cubs.

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

More must-reads: