It was a huge disappointment when the Chicago Cubs clearly missed out on the potential signing of Alex Bregman, however, it cannot be denied that Matt Shaw – a rookie on the rise, is expected to come up with some massive games in the coming season and deliver some huge performances as he takes up the chalk on the third base.

Shaw has shown strong offensive skills throughout his time in the minors. His combination of power and ability to make consistent contact could make him a dangerous bat in the Cubs lineup. If he can translate his college performance to the majors, he could immediately provide the Cubs with another dynamic hitter.

One thing that has stood out about Shaw is his maturity on the field. Even with the minor setback of his oblique injury, he’s shown resilience and a strong mental game. This mental toughness, paired with his natural talent, could help him handle the pressures of the big league grind. The Cubs, who are in a bit of a rebuilding phase, could benefit immensely from Shaw's ability to stay composed and focused during high-stress moments.

Impact on the Cubs’ Hopes

While the Cubs already have a solid core of players, Shaw could provide the depth they need to improve in several areas. His bat, particularly, could help lengthen the lineup and give opposing pitchers more to think about. The Cubs are in the midst of trying to build a more potent offense, and Shaw could be a key part of that.

"He’s got a really slow heartbeat," Chicago's bench coach Ryan Flaherty said of the rookie’s potential. "You watch him in the on-deck circle, it’s like: ‘Are you really ready to hit right now?’ He’s got that calmness and confidence in himself and the way he prepares. He’s got a ton of confidence without being too cocky...he’s figured out every level he’s gone to [and] found a way to master it pretty quickly. There will probably be growing pains early in the year, but the track record shows that he’ll adjust quickly."

Beyond just the 2025 season, Shaw has the potential to be a cornerstone for the Cubs' future. His development as a hitter and his ability to step up when needed could make him one of the central figures in the team’s rebuild. If he performs well, Shaw could be a mainstay in the Cubs’ lineup for years to come, helping to lay the foundation for sustained success.

It can be remembered that he put up solid numbers in his run with Tennessee, showing off a very solid .279/.373/.468 with 14 home runs and 50 RBI over the first 86 games of the season. Shaw also finished the year in Triple-A with a .298/.395/.534 line and adding an additional seven home runs and 21 RBI.

Seeking Bigger Progress

If Matt Shaw stays healthy and continues to progress, there’s no doubt he can be a significant boost for the Chicago Cubs. His combination of offensive potential, defensive flexibility, and mental resilience makes him a player to watch closely.

The Cubs are in need of young talent to step up and contribute, and Shaw has all the tools to do just that. Whether or not he can adjust to the MLB right away remains to be seen, but if his early signs are any indication, he could play a huge role in the team’s success both now and in the years ahead.