The Chicago Cubs made a serious play at signing Alex Bregman, but the free agent third baseman, ultimately, went with the better offer, signing a three-year, $120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.
And, as the Cubs put their money back into their wallet and fans lamented the loss, at least one person let loose with a sigh of relief– Matt Shaw.
The 23-year-old Cubs top prospect was the lead candidate for the vacant third base gig, right up until the buzz began about Chicago being in full-on pursuit of Bregman. For those weeks, as rumors persisted, Shaw took a deep dive into uncertainty.
The team adding the Gold Glove Bregman would mean Shaw would have to fall back on his secondary position of second base as entry point to the majors. Right now, however, Nico Hoerner mans that position capably on the big league squad and isn’t all that likely to be moved.
Big Relief In Bregman Going To Boston
The announcement that the Cubs had lost out on Bregman was great news to Shaw, who was already in Arizona working out with the team as a non-roster invitee.
“Oh my gosh, yeah, what a roller coaster of emotions,’’ Shaw told Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports “I followed it closely. Me and my fiancée talked about it. It was kind of exciting and unique in a way that such a big decision also affected my career in such a particular way as a young guy.
“You see yourself in these conversations and see yourself having the opportunity to hopefully play in the big leagues and have an impact on a team.
“Now, there is clarity moving forward. For the team, the media, it’s nice to figure out that piece for all of us. There’s less questions about it, you can move forward together. This is our team.”
Was Matt Shaw Bothered By The Obsession Over Bregman?
As for being peeved, bothered, or otherwise put out by the Cubs’ pursuit of a veteran starter or the subsequent disappointment in not getting him, Shaw is not taking it personally. Bregman has proven his status in the sport and Shaw is aware that he’s just starting on that journey.
“I mean, at the end of the day, you understand it’s a business,” Shaw added. “You want to have a team that’s going to be able to win a championship. You had a great player player like Bregman, it’s always a good thing for your team. And obviously they kind of reflected that in their sadness for not being able to sign him.
“I don’t think anybody said anything that necessarily would have been hurtful in any way…They’re just being honest, and the honesty about the situation is that Bregman is a great player. So, I don’t think anybody at all needs to say anything to me.”
Shaw Will Get His Chance To Prove Himself
Shaw’s climb to the near-top of the game has been a unique one, indicative of his bursting raw potential. As a 2023 first-round draft pick, the young talent has already played at every level of the Cubs’ farm system and has excelled at all stages. MLB.com, in their scouting report, went to the extreme in their declaration that, offensively, he “has no discernible weakness.”
Defensively, he has worked doggedly to improve his game, settling into a groove at third base, bust also capable of playing second base, shortstop, and some outfield.
By all accounts, Shaw should be major league-ready and that door to a Cubs starting gig at third base remains open.
Still, an open door doesn’t mean guaranteed entry. The team has made it clear that he’ll have to earn his spot on the major league squad.
“I think he knows it’s come fast for him,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer told USA TODAY. “He’s in the 2023 draft (selected 13th overall) and has moved really quickly. Ultimately, spots on the team are earned. He knows that. He’s got a great head on his shoulders, so I don’t think any of that stuff bothered him.
“He’s here to play well, and we’ll see what happens.”
For now, at the very least, Shaw knows that the path to his big league dream remains open. What he does with that opening is up to him.
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