At the moment, the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds are locked in a divisional battle in Cincinnati. The Reds lead 6-1, looking to avenge their 13-6 loss to the Cubbies last night. If Chicago can turn things around, then it will be the team's fourth win in a row. Earlier in the game, with the score at a more manageable 2-1 deficit, Cubs rookie third baseman Matt Shaw made a throw that wowed the crowd at Great American Ballpark. His out-of-this-world falling throw to nail Reds infielder Santiago Espinal was posted by MLB on X, formerly Twitter.

“Matt Shaw shows off the arm to get the out at first!” posted MLB's official account on the social media platform.

The play was just the latest in a line of excellent defensive plays by the rookie. It is one of the many reasons that Cubs manager Craig Counsell and the team brass sought to bring Shaw back to the majors once again. After breaking camp with the team out of Spring Training, Shaw struggled in his first big league stint, resulting in being sent back down to Triple-A. After some adjustments, his bat came back to life, and the franchise was forced to give him back the third base role. Now, Shaw is looking to prove their faith in him, and plays like today's help cement that belief.

Related Chicago Cubs NewsArticle continues below
Chicago Cubs pitcher Julian Merryweather (66) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at American Family Field.
Cubs DFA veteran reliever after rough 2025 season
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) celebrates while running the bases after scoring a homer in the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs, Friday, May 23, 2025, at Great American Ball Park in Downtown Cincinnati.Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images. Crow-Armstrong hit two home runs, one a grand slam.
Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong explains big reaction after grand slam during 6-RBI night
Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.
Cubs’ Dansby Swanson HR adds to onslaught vs. Reds

Matt Shaw looks to repay faith from Craig Counsell, Cubs

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) talks with umpire John Bacon (70) after a play in the seventh inning in the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.
Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Since his return back to the big leagues a few days ago, Shaw's bat has stayed hot. He's hitting .313 across the last four games, including two runs batted in and two steals. Although he's hit towards the bottom of the order, if this form continues, then Counsell will likely move him up in due time. Both the team's leadership and their fans hope he is the latest in a long line of position players that have established themselves as big league contributors.

Shaw's ascendency has been especially fun to watch, as the Cubs were aggressive with his development. He was a 2023 MLB Draft first round selection. Now, he's the starting third baseman. If his growth continues this steady trend upwards while plying his trade on the North Side, then the Cubs might finally have their first consistent third baseman since Kris Bryant in his prime. For a team looking to return to the postseason once again, that would be a welcome sight indeed.