Cubs Third Base Problem Could Soon Belong to Matt Shaw

The Chicago Cubs have a third base problem. The Cubs are expected to recall Matt Shaw from Triple-A Iowa, who will likely take over at the hot corner, Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic report. Shaw was sent down in mid-April after slashing .172/.294/.241 across 68 plate appearances. Shaw, 23, has hit .324/.457/.487 with one home run and a 3:8 K:BB ratio in his first 10 games since the demotion.

That optimistic outlook reflects the organization’s belief in its 2023 first-round pick. It’s also a reflection of reality, the current alternatives simply haven’t been good enough.

Matt Shaw’s Return Could Solve the Cubs’ Third Base Problem

One month into the season, the first-place Cubs have exceeded expectations offensively. Thursday’s 8-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates was the latest example. Dansby Swanson, Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki all homered off Paul Skenes to secure another series victory. Yet, despite the hot start, third base remains an unresolved issue, a weak link in an otherwise well-rounded lineup.

That void could have been solved as the front office pursued Alex Bregman in free agency this spring. However, Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. With that door closed, Shaw is now the most logical answer.

After 13 Tries at Third Base, the Cubs Could Turn to the Trade Market

Thirteen different players have started at third base for the Cubs since last year’s Opening Day. All seven from 2024 are now gone, and by May 2 of this season, six more have been tried at the position. As the July 31 trade deadline nears, the Cubs will likely be looking for outside the organization for answers.

As Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma reported in The Athletic, realistic trade targets wouldn’t represent major upgrades over role players like Nicky Lopez or Jon Berti. The larger issue is league-wide: offensive production at third base is nearing historic lows. Entering Thursday’s action, third basemen had combined for a 93 wRC+. It’s the second-worst of any position and on pace to be the third-lowest mark at third base since 1950.

That context makes it tougher for Chicago to find an impact bat. Even Nolan Arenado, a player the Cubs inquired about this spring, was off-limits due to the Cardinals’ unwillingness to trade a star within the division.

By fWAR, Cubs third basemen are ranked 25th in baseball. On offense, they’re 20th with an 80 wRC+. It’s not a great stat, but it’s not a bottom-of-the-league type of production the Cubs got early last season from catcher and center field.

Shaw Struggles, Revolving Door Spins

Shaw was given the Opening Day nod in Tokyo after the Cubs failed to land Bregman in free agency. But an oblique injury slowed his spring, and he hit just .172 with a .535 OPS across 68 plate appearances before being optioned to Triple-A.

“This is not a place for a young player to tinker,” Hoyer said. “We want him to be our third baseman… but he needs to go work on some stuff now and reset.”

Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged they’ll use a platoon approach in the meantime, saying, “You’re going to see multiple third basemen in the game on a day-to-day basis.”

The Short-Term Plan

With Lopez re-signed and Gage Workman designated for assignment, the Cubs will lean on Berti, Lopez, and matchups while hoping Shaw can figure things out in Iowa. Hoyer is in the final year of his contract, and patience is running thin. If internal options can’t seize the role soon, expect the Cubs to be active in trade talks.