Matt Shaw appeared in 18 games to start the 2025 season with the Cubs.
He batted .172/.294/.241 (10-for-58) with one home run. Clearly, that’s not good, so the Cubs optioned him to Triple-A Iowa in the hope that some time in the minors would get him straightened out.
Shaw started slowly at Iowa, but overall in 24 games and 110 plate appearances batted .286/.409/.560 (26-for-91) with five doubles, a triple and six home runs. That’s essentially what he hit at Iowa last year, so overall in 59 Triple-A games (222 PA) Shaw has hit .293/.401/.545 with 13 home runs.
That was enough for Jed Hoyer & Co. to recall Shaw from Iowa before Monday’s game against the Marlins. Nicky Lopez was designated for assignment to make room on the 26-man active roster. Lopez likely clears waivers and will be sent to Iowa. This also means that, for the time being, the Cubs have an open spot on their 40-man roster.
Including Shaw’s numbers above, Cubs third basemen this year have batted .184/.271/.222 with no home runs in 177 PA (Shaw’s home run was as a pinch-hitter). The .493 OPS is the second-worst for 3B for any team this year (the Brewers at .429 are lower).
Here’s hoping Shaw has figured things out, can stick in MLB for good, and can add some offense to a position where the Cubs really need to have that bat.
Welcome back to the big leagues, Matt Shaw!