As the Chicago Cubs offseason went on, it became more and more clear that Matt Shaw would have to be more versatile to earn playing time for the 2026 season. With the addition of Alex Bregman in January, it locked up the Cubs’ starting infield.
And it’s a starting infield that doesn’t include Shaw.
After a tough rookie season that saw high expectations for Shaw, he’s now spent part of the offseason working in the outfield. There was video of him back in January getting work as an outfielder.
At Cubs Con, manager Craig Counsell said Shaw would get time in the outfield come Spring Training.
“I think Matt’s going to see time in the outfield,” manager Craig Counsell said at Cubs Convention over the weekend. “I’ve talked about that with Matt. I think that’s going to be part of spring training.”
Now, as Spring Training gets underway in Arizona, what Counsell said is proving to be true.
Matt Shaw working in outfield early in Spring Training
MLB: Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia Phillies Jun 11, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder Matt Shaw (6) fields a fly ball against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
On Friday, a few days before the official report day, Marquee Sports caught a glimpse of Shaw in the outfield. The official TV network of the Cubs put out a video of Shaw as you can see below:
Matt Shaw putting in work in the outfield! pic.twitter.com/7nghoewyMb
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 13, 2026
With the addition of Bregman, Shaw is going to see his playing time limited. He’s really going to have to earn it if he remains a member of the club throughout the season. Learning the outfield is his best route to that playing time.
However, the trade discussions will likely be ongoing as he enters his second season.
Shaw was the name mentioned in connection to the Boston Red Sox multiple times in trade rumors this offseason. Nothing has materialized yet but the two sides could connect ahead of the 2026 trade deadline. That would especially be the case if the Cubs need another arm or potentially more help in the outfield with a proven veteran.
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