Cubs Face Third Base Dilemma: Will Matt Shaw's Defense Be Enough?

In a season where the Chicago Cubs have needed young talent to step up, Matt Shaw’s big-league debut hasn’t gone quite according to plan, at least not with the bat in his hands.

Through his initial stretch of games, Shaw’s bat was surprisingly quiet. The same player who had surged through the minors with an impressive blend of power and contact suddenly found himself searching for answers at the plate. He struggled to adjust to major league pitching, frequently falling behind in counts or chasing pitches outside the strike zone. His timing was off, and the results simply weren’t there. Ultimately, those struggles led to an early stint in Iowa.

Fast forward to today: after making key adjustments and rediscovering his rhythm at the plate, Shaw earned his way back to the big leagues—this time as the everyday third baseman and a cornerstone of the Cubs’ future. But once again, his bat has gone cold, and it’s starting to raise some concerns, especially with the team’s other offensive standouts also hitting a lull.

Still, don’t let the slump at the plate fool you. Shaw is finding other ways to make an impact.

Defensively, the 23-year-old has been a steadying presence in the infield. Whether he’s flashing the leather at third base or making smart decisions with the ball, Shaw’s glove has made a clear impact. His quick hands, smooth footwork, and natural instincts have kept him in the lineup as he works through the offensive growing pains.

We saw earlier this season how costly poor defense at the hot corner can be. And while it’s easy to overlook defense when the entire lineup is struggling at the plate, Shaw has quietly been a bright spot with the glove. On a Cubs team desperate for clean innings and fewer mistakes, his consistency on defense has mattered, especially in high-leverage moments.

The bat will come. It usually does for players like Shaw, guys with a track record, a plan, and the work ethic to adjust. However, with the trade deadline approaching, the Cubs have a big decision to make: do they stay the course and bet on Shaw’s offensive upside, or do they look for a more consistent bat at third base to gear up for a potential postseason run?

Chicago has seen its fair share of rookies struggle early. That’s not unusual. But the timing of Shaw’s slump adds pressure. It will be fascinating to see how Jed Hoyer navigates this moment, and how long of a leash Shaw’s bat will get. Will the Cubs bring in reinforcements at the hot corner, or will they prioritize pitching help instead?

Let us know what you think the Cubs should do—tweet us at @CubbiesOnTap