The Chicago Cubs have an important offseason on the horizon. Most of their lineup is locked in, unless Jed Hoyer gets creative with trades, and the team has been open about players like Corbin Burnes and Juan Soto not being on the to-do list this winter. Creativity is the name of the game for upgrading the roster.
Another critical decision is on deck. The front office needs to figure out where the prospects fit entering 2025. As of now, all six of the Cubs' top prospects are at Triple-A Iowa, highlighting the need for decisions to be made. Players like Owen Caissie, Moises Ballesteros, and Kevin Alcantara could help the team in the immediate future. However, top prospect Matt Shaw might be the most important prospect.
On Sunday, the Cubs' No. 1 prospect had a huge game for Team USA in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Premier12 tournament. In the run-rule, 12-2 victory over the Netherlands, Matt Shaw had the game of his life. The Cubs' top prospect went 4-for-5 with seven RBIs and the walk-off home run to end the contest in eight innings. There have only been two players to have seven RBIs in a game for Team USA: Ken Griffey Jr. and Matt Shaw.
Shaw put on a show at an event that has previously had a big impact on prospect's careers. As mentioned by Jon Morosi on X, Players such as Alex Bohm, Jake Crownenworth, Dalton Varsho, and Brent Rooker were all in a similar position in 2019 at the Premier12 and later broke out in the majors. If history suggests anything, Shaw could be a breakout candidate in the near future for the Cubs, who desperately need star power from their minor leagues if the front office won't spend in free agency.
Shaw had a successful 2024 season in split time at Double-A Tennessee (now Knoxville) and Triple-A Iowa. In 121 total games, Shaw slashed .284/.379/.488 with 21 home runs, 71 RBIs, 19 doubles, 4 triples, and 31 stolen bases. Shaw was a threat all over the diamond, serving as an offensive threat while playing shortstop, third base, and second base. Although Shaw is likely a second baseman in the majors, his offensive output is exciting.
The Cubs have lots of decisions to make this winter. Will one of those decisions be to give Matt Shaw a chance in the majors? As of now, it probably should be given the incredible displays Shaw has put on since he was drafted in 2023.
