MLB News: Chicago Cubs’ Matt Shaw politics may have prevented him from being traded after 2025 seasom

In 2025, the Chicago Cubs were pleasantly surprised by the defense and production of infielder Matt Shaw. He finished ninth in National League Rookie of the Year voting after hitting .226/.295/.394 with 13 home runs, 44 RBI, and 17 stolen bases. Of the 126 games that he played, 124 of them saw him play third base.

Despite his exciting rookie season, though, Chicago looked for an upgrade at the hot corner this winter. Of course, they got one in Alex Bregman, a three-time All-Star who signed a five-year $175 million with the Cubs.

Now that Bregman is tied to the North Side for the next half decade, many have wondered if the Cubs may try to trade Shaw. Of course, they have not as of yet, and his role on the 2026 team is still undetermined.

Forbes writer suggests the Chicago Cubs could not trade Matt Shaw because of his politics

Fans may recall that, last season, Shaw missed a game (with permission from the organization) to attend the funeral of right-wing political figure Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated. Shaw’s decision was divisive among fans. Many stated that they felt he should have stayed with Chicago. There were, at the time, in the midst of a race for the MLB postseason.

“I felt as though it was something that was really important for me to do,” Shaw said when he returned to the team.

The Cubs, of course, went on to make the MLB Playoffs with a Wild Card spot, won their opening series, but were eliminated in the divisional series.

Now, Shaw has not been traded and is present with the team in Spring Training. He is even taking some reps in the outfield to further increase his value to the Major League roster.

But Dan Freedman of Forbes wonders if the Cubs were not able to trade Shaw (after acquiring Bregman) because of his political beliefs:

“Why haven’t the Cubs moved Shaw? At first blush, he would seem to be the ideal trade candidate. He is set to make just a hair above the $780,000 MLB minimum, plays multiple infield positions, and is now learning the outfield. Could it be that his politics have gotten in the way? Could teams other than the Cubs be shying away from a player who doesn’t hide his political leanings?

“Shaw’s choice to choose friendship over the pennant race does raise an interesting question about commitment and priorities. Societally, that may not be appropriate. Morally, that may not be proper.

“But this is professional sports, and players – especially young players, and especially rookies – need to prove their wares before they get special treatment or dispensation. Again, this is not a value judgment, just an acknowledgement of the world in which we live.”

The Chicago Cubs are better with Matt Shaw on the team

Freedman acknowledges that it would be better for the Cubs to have turned down any offers for Shaw because of how much they value him as a player. However, he is not certain that there was much buzz surrounding the young infielder.

All this to say that, regardless of Shaw’s politics, Chicago is better with him on the roster. He plays Gold Glove-caliber defense at third base. He can steal bases. And he is willing to play any position in order to get out on the field.

Bregman may have taken over third base, but Shaw still has years of club control and can play multiple positions. Teams should not just let guys like that go.

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