The Chicago Cubs were the first team to open up their spring training facilities to their pitchers and catchers on Feb. 9, and it’s so exciting to see the Cubbies back in action.
The Cubs have high expectations coming into this season. With all the additions and star power the Cubs have added, they should hopefully make the playoffs this season.
One player coming into spring training who will have high expectations from both management and the fans is the Cubs’ top prospect, Matt Shaw. Shaw could potentially be the Cubs starting third baseman this season.
Craig Counsell has confidence in Shaw
It’s only day two of Cubs spring training camp, and the Cubs manager has already hinted that Shaw will be the leading candidate to be the starting third baseman. In a scrum with the media Monday afternoon, Counsell stated that Shaw will “get the first shot” at playing third this spring.
“He is going to get the first shot at it.”
Craig Counsell on Matt Shaw playing 3B.”
"He is going to get the first shot at it.”
Craig Counsell on Matt Shaw playing 3B. pic.twitter.com/gX9S6QvsWQ
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 10, 2025
With the Cubs still being rumored to be in on signing free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, this is a bode of confidence coming from the Cubs skipper,
The future Chicago Cubs third baseman
Shaw has a real chance to crack the Cubs roster out of spring training if he can show he’s capable of fielding his position at third and having a solid bat. All indications point to Shaw being a future star in the league, being he’s the Cubs top-rated prospect and MLB No. 19 overall prospect.
Shaw recently had his grades on his tools increased with the new prospect ratings, with his hit tool standing out amongst the others at 60/80. Not far behind are Shaw’s power and speed, which both grade out at 55/80, which should help him be a 20+ home-run hitter and a possible 20+ stolen base guy.
Shaws’ biggest weakness would be his arm, which he comes into spring training grading as having a below-average arm at 45/80. Since Shaw will be competing for the starting third base job, he needs to increase his arm strength to be on par with other third basemen in the league.
Shaw has been working on his craft this winter at third, seeing time there during the Premier12 games and studying videos of Nolan Arenado and the aforementioned Alex Bregman.
Matt Shaw getting his work in at 3B.
What do you think? Comment 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/YDvF2g3Z66— The Setup Man – Chicago Cubs YT Channel (@SetupManKyle) February 7, 2025
Spring training will be a real test
Shaw’s competition at third coming into spring training will be Jon Berti, Vidal Bruján, Gage Workman, and Nicky Lopez.
Having the confidence in his manager will help Shaw’s chances, but Shaw is more than ready to go and be the Cubs starting third baseman.
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