As the middle third of the 2024 MLB season marches on, the Chicago Cubs have swooned a little bit – going just 5-12 in their last 17 games. There is enough time for a turnaround, as long as the team's higher-profile players start producing and the front office makes a timely trade or two, but there's no denying that the season has been a disappointment, especially for third baseman Christopher Morel.
Hitting just .203 this season, the Cubs have looked at different options at the third base, per Patrick Mooney of The Athletic:
“The Cubs have evaluated alternatives to Christopher Morel at third base and remained open to the possibility that a prospect such as Matt Shaw could eventually become part of the solution.”
While the Cubs are struggling defensively and on the basepaths, the pitching has the talent to keep them in games if the rest of the team turns things around. Shota Imanaga (6-1, 1.96 ERA through 12 starts) could possibly end up starting the MLB All-Star Game this summer. Javier Assad has a sparkling 2.96 ERA through the first 200+ innings of his career. And Justin Steele is looking healthy again after flirting with Cy Young Award consideration last season.
Should Chicago not elect to go with Shaw, the Cubs have reportedly discussed the possibility of trying to acquire Guerrero at the trade deadline.
Guerrero Jr. would be an interesting acquisition for the Cubs if they push through with this deal. Chicago currently has Michael Busch manning first base for them, which is Vladdy's preferred position. Still, if a deal arises for a player of his caliber, you do the trade first and find ways later. Guerrero has returned to playing third base occasionally for the Jays, and there's no reason he wouldn't do that for another team.
Matt Shaw is Cubs' no. 3 prospect
Lightly scouted and recruited as a high schooler, Shaw blossomed into the highest pick ever out of the University of Maryland when the Cubs selected him 13th overall last summer. After winning the Cape Cod League batting title (.360) and MVP award during the summer of 2022, he set the Maryland career home run record (53) and was named Big Ten Conference player of the year last spring.
Shaw continued to rake after turning pro, hitting .357/.400/.618 with eight homers and 15 steals in 38 games while reaching Double-A.
Shaw manages a fine line between aggression and discipline at the plate, repeatedly turning his right-handed swing loose yet still making consistent hard contact. He has no obvious weaknesses at the plate, thriving against both lefties and righties and against all types of pitches. He uses the entire field well, and his solid power plays to all parts of the park.
Shaw’s baserunning skills enable him to make economical use of his relatively good speed. He was a second baseman as a college freshman before moving to shortstop, where he has enough range, but his less-than-stellar arm is considered a liability. Chicago has no need up the middle with Gold Glovers Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson firmly entrenched, so Shaw has shifted to third base and has the tools to eventually become an average defender there.
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