The Cubs have actually made a substantial lineup change by optioning 3rd baseman Matt Shaw to Triple-A Iowa, as reported by Keith Law of The Athletic. This relocation becomes part of a more comprehensive method, detailed by Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, showing the group’s continuous efforts to enhance their lineup. Additionally, infielder Vidal Bruján has actually been renewed from the 10-day hurt list, offering the group with more infield depth. On the pitching front, the Cubs have actually remembered left-hander Luke Little and right-hander Daniel Palencia. To accommodate these modifications, righty Nate Pearson has actually likewise been optioned to Iowa, while righty Eli Morgan discovers himself on the 15-day hurt list due to an elbow impingement.

Shaw, simply 23 years of ages, went into the season with a track record as one of the leading potential customers in the league, developing high expectations surrounding his efficiency. The Cubs plainly saw him as an important possession, having actually traded Isaac Paredes to the Astros as part of the hit offer for Kyle Tucker throughout the offseason. Although this deal didn’t ensure Shaw a position on the Opening Day lineup, it definitely led the way for his chance. He effectively protected an area on the lineup before the extremely prepared for Tokyo Series and has actually been working as the group’s main 3rd baseman as much as this point.

The outcomes of Shaw’s period have actually been a mix of pledge and battle. In his 68 plate looks up until now, he has actually handled to draw a walk in 14.7% of those possibilities, yet he has actually likewise dealt with an uncomfortable strikeout rate of 26.5%. His existing batting line stands at a dull .172/.294/.241, with a .231 batting average on balls in play—a figure that recommends some level of misfortune, although Shaw’s efficiency at the plate hasn’t been regularly strong. His typical exit speed of 82.7 miles per hour locations him in the 2nd percentile amongst certified MLB players, according to Statcast. Furthermore, his hard-hit rate beings in the 5th percentile, bat speed in the tenth, and barrel rate in the fifteenth percentile. Defensively, he has actually likewise raised issues, devoting 4 mistakes in simply 141 innings at 3rd base.

These results are unquestionably listed below the expectations the Cubs had for Shaw, specifically considering his remarkable efficiency versus minors pitching. Drafted as the 13th total choice in the 2023 draft, Shaw took part in 159 minors video games from his choice to the end of the 2024 season. During that time, he showcased strong walk and strikeout rates of 10.2% and 17.3%, respectively, while boasting an excellent slash line of .303/.384/.522, leading to an outstanding 157 wRC+. Notably, he played 35 video games at the Triple-A level in 2015, where he struck .298/.395/.534, constructing a strong case for his preparedness to make a big league launching.

Shaw represents yet another case of a leading possibility who has actually not discovered instant success at the big league level. While some may quickly identify Shaw a “bust,” such a story is frequently early. A traditional parallel can be drawn to Mike Trout, who dealt with a .220/.281/.390 line in his very first 135 plate looks back in 2011. It is very important to acknowledge that not all potential customers shift easily into the majors, and a rocky start does not prevent future success.

Optioning Shaw down might be viewed as an affordable choice provided his current battles. However, the obstacle for the Cubs depends on recognizing a more efficient gamer to fill the hot corner. Bruján, for instance, brings a profession batting line of .189/.261/.270, which raises issues about his offending abilities. Veteran Justin Turner has comprehensive experience at 3rd base however is now 40 years of ages and has actually mostly played as a very first baseman/designated player in current seasons, with just 90 innings at 3rd base considering that the conclusion of the 2022 season. His existing batting line of .172/.286/.172 more makes complex matters. Additionally, Jon Berti, a 35-year-old energy veteran, and Gage Workman, a Rule 5 gamer with simply ten plate looks this season and 5 strikeouts, contribute to the unpredictability.

There’s a possibility that this is a short-term change, and Shaw might go back to the major league club soon. The timing of his prospective return holds substantial ramifications for both him and the company. By making the Opening Day lineup, he was poised to make a complete year of service time in 2025, which would permit him to receive arbitration after 2027 and totally free company after 2030. A speedy go back to the majors might still keep those goals within reach. A big league season covers 187 days, however a gamer just requires 172 days in the major leagues or on the hurt list to be credited with a complete year. Additionally, Shaw may accomplish Super Two status, enabling him to receive arbitration after 2027, even with less than 3 years of service time.

If Shaw stays sidelined for a prolonged duration, these timelines will move, delaying his turning points by a year. This hold-up might likewise get rid of the Cubs’ possibility to get an additional draft choice through the possibility promo reward. According to the PPI guidelines, groups can make an extra choice by maintaining a leading possibility on the lineup enough time to protect a complete year. The Cubs at first set this in movement by giving Shaw an area on the Opening Day lineup, however this reward would no longer use if he stays in the minors for a number of weeks.

Photo thanks to Sergio Estrada, Imagn Images