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Cubs Make Decision on Matt Shaw After Quiet Start

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 7:05 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs offense has gotten off to a roaring start to the 2025 MLB season, but there are still players who have struggled despite the hot start from the team. One of those struggling hitters was sent down amid a rough start to his MLB career.

According to Keith Law of The Athletic, the Cubs have optioned third-baseman Matt Shaw to Triple-A Iowa. Shaw was a first-round pick from the 2023 MLB Draft and was getting his first Major League experience at the beginning of the 2025 season.

The 23-year-old is still young and has plenty of time to figure out his swing in the Minor Leagues, but the demotion puts a pause on his Major League career. Shaw showed some promise but couldn't get above the Mendoza line through the first 18 games of his career.

Across his 68 plate appearances, Shaw had a .172 batting average, with 10 hits, 11 runs scored, one home run, one double, three RBI, and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 18 to 10. Shaw also struggled in the field, as he had four errors, which was tied for the most in the National League.

Shaw is the Cubs' top prospect in the system and the 18th-ranked prospect in baseball. But after a rough first go at the Major Leagues, Shaw and the Cubs face a setback in his development.

The move to send Shaw down was one of a flurry of Cubs roster moves. The Cubs brought up relievers Luke Little and Daniel Palencia while activating Vidal Bruján. Nate Pearson was also optioned to Triple-A Iowa, and Eli Morgan was placed on the injured list with an elbow injury.

The Chicago Cubs are shaking up their roster, demoting third baseman Matt Shaw to Triple-Iowa and calling up relievers Luke Little and Daniel Palencia. Vidal Bruján has been activated while Nate Pearson was optioned to Iowa and Eli Morgan (elbow) is now on the injured list.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) April 15, 2025

Shaw had been playing primarily third base, but with him being optioned to the Minor Leagues, Justin Turner and Jon Berti are next in line to receive starts at third base.

The Cubs optioned Shaw to Triple-A in the hopes he can regain his swing and settle down in the infield. While he is back in the minors for now, Shaw will likely return to the Majors in the future.

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

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