Despite their Major League shortcomings, the Chicago Cubs still have a very strong farm system. One of the key highlights to get excited about is 2023 first-round pick Matt Shaw. The 22-year-old infielder flew up the minor leagues after being drafted, reaching Double-A with the Tennessee Smokies after just 23 games.
Shaw started 2024 with Tennessee again. He's endured growing pains but has been coming on incredibly hot as of late. The hot streak has been recognized by the league as Shaw was named the Southern League Player of the Week after slashing .429/.519/1.048 (lol) with four home runs (also lol), nine RBIs, and a 1.566 OPS (lol a third time).
On the season, Shaw's stats have looked like professional baseball has figured him out a little bit. He's slashing .245/.358/.421 with a .779 OPS, 10 home runs, 33 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases. His strikeout rate (20.4%) and walk rate (14.3%) are solid and still indicate a talented offensive player.
However, as of late, Shaw's talent has been helping him break through like he did last season. Over the last month, Shaw has been slashing .289/.375/.544 with six home runs, 14 RBIs, and seven stolen bases. He has also launched five of his seven season doubles over that span while sporting a .919 OPS, an 18.3% strikeout rate, and a 12.5% walk rate.
All the while, Shaw has been playing a serviceable third base and very good second base, giving hope that the Maryland product could be the third baseman of the future for Chicago — something the Cubs seem to desperately need. Performances like this will have fans clamoring for Shaw to see time at Wrigley Field this season.
That's a long shot, even with Christopher Morel's .203/.304/.395 slash line and eight errors at third. Still, if Shaw keeps up this pace, Triple-A Iowa has to be on the horizon with a possible Major League arrival next season.
