The Chicago Cubs start the 2025 season earlier than most teams, as they are set to face the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 18 in the Tokyo Series. They recently trimmed their roster down to 35 players as they prepare for the two-game set.
While there are more moves to be made as only 31 players are allowed to make the trip, the Cubs are reportedly leaning towards naming Matt Shaw as their everyday third baseman. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com shared that Chicago's top prospect is the favorite to win the starting job, writing:
All signs point to Matt Shaw – Pipeline's top Cubs prospect and No. 19 on the Top 100 -- getting the nod for third base, but Chicago has to determine if the rookie is ready for that role in time for the Tokyo Series (March 18-19). Following a bout with an oblique issue early in camp, Shaw made his Cactus League debut on March 2. With second baseman Nico Hoerner (right forearm) missing the Japan trip, veteran utility man Jon Berti (also a backup at third) looks like the top candidate for second right now. Behind Shaw, the Cubs have utility man Vidal Bruján and Gage Workman (Rule 5 pick) as alternatives at third, per Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.
Shaw has struggled in limited action during Spring Training. He has appeared in just four games, hitting .167 with two RBIs and a .398 OPS. His production across 121 games - with 86 coming at AA and 35 at AAA - in 2024 likely has given the front office confidence in his bat.
The 13th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft hit .284 with 21 home runs, 71 RBIs, 31 stolen bases, and an .867 OPS. Furthermore, his stellar play only improved as he moved to AAA.
While Vidal Brujan and Gage Workman have both hit well in Spring Training, the former has struggled at the MLB level - hitting .189 across 201 career games - and the latter has yet to play above AA.
The Cubs optioned Nicky Lopez, who was also competing for a roster spot, to Minor League camp on Sunday. The utility infielder is expected to opt out of his contract.
