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The Chicago Cubs knew they were getting themselves into this situation with Matt Shaw.
The high-profile offseason signing of Alex Bregman also created this infield conundrum.
Shaw can play third base (his natural spot) or second base, but the Cubs have Bregman at third and Nico Hoerner at second.
That leaves Shaw in an uncertain spot entering his second MLB season.
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What are the Cubs going to do with Matt Shaw?
The Cubs have said that they want to make Shaw into a super-utility guy.
But that would mean that he gets starts in place of three guys who wouldn't necessarily want days off: Bregman, Hoerner and shortstop Danbsy Swanson.
Does that leave much space? It's a "big unknown," according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian.
"Shaw was the Cubs’ regular at third base in ‘25 and ended the year with some down-ballot Rookie of the Year votes and as a finalist for a Gold Glove Award," Bastian writes. "When the Cubs signed Alex Bregman, Shaw was asked to move off third and try his hand at being a super sub for both the infield and outfield. The 24-year-old Shaw is athletic enough to play all over the field, but there were ups and downs this spring as he learned new positions. Offensively, Shaw also had an up-and-down showing last year, posting a .556 OPS in the first half and an .839 OPS after the All-Star break. Shaw is hoping to be a steady part of the lineup in ‘26, so it will be interesting to see how the Cubs try to make that happen."
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Shaw will likely only be as useful as his bat, because these other Cubs are solid fielders, too.
If he hits, he'll likely find his way into the lineup. If he doesn't, it'll be tough for Craig Counsell to rely on him.
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