Chicago Cubs: Matt Shaw rolling with punches, killing it this spring

The Chicago Cubs’ Matt Shaw had every reason to walk into spring training bitter and discontent. The young talent, who fought his way to the starting third base gig over the course of a tough rookie season, had been outright replaced by incoming free agent Alex Bregman. He was now being asked to play a utility role off the bench.

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Instead of taking it as a blow, however, the Cubs’ 2023 no. 1 draft pick accepted the new role as a challenge and has excelled.

Tasked with playing corner outfield, center field, and most recently first base– in addition to his more comfortable third base and second base spots– the 24-year-old has adapted well, while accepting that there’s still plenty more to learn.

Through all the pressure of learning new positions on the fly, Shaw has also seemingly taken a step forward with his offense. In 35 Cactus League plate appearances, he’s hitting .333 with 1 home run, 2 RBIs, 4 stolen bases, and an OBP of .400.

Passing every test

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“We’re giving him a difficult spring training experience here,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told media. “We’re moving him around a lot. You’re going to see him at first base. I respect what he’s doing this spring, it hasn’t been easy for sure. But I’d rather make it hard right now and then go into the season with at least some experience at all these things.”

Last Wednesday, Shaw played his first game ever at first base and, while clearly still learning the ropes, seemed up to the task.

“Honestly, it’s been a lot of fun,” Shaw said, referring to being moved around the field. “It feels like Little League, playing a bunch of different positions and moving around. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

This humbling experience has just reinforced the team’s opinion of Shaw as a player and as someone with a high ceiling as an every day player.

“He’s not someone that you need to worry about being professional or motivated or driven or working on his game,” Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner told media. “He’s a very driven young player. You look at how many great players at some point earlier in their career were bouncing around between positions, it’s just the reality of being a part of a really strong roster…he’s going to be a very valuable part of our team this year.”

Getting Shaw where he needs to be

The Cubs will try to strike a balance this season between fielding the best, most experienced team possible and getting Shaw the at bats and playing time he needs to continue his development. He’s still, for all intents and purposes, the team’s chief insurance policy when it comes to injury and, also, when it comes to possibly replacing Hoerner, who will become a free agent at the end of this coming season.

As a chief backup to at least six position player spots, he should get plenty of playing time and get plenty of opportunity to prove his worth.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-matt-shaw-spring-training-utility-counsell-2026/