The Chicago Cubs are calling up top prospect Matt Shaw once again, as confirmed by league sources, just in time for a six-game road trip through Miami and Cincinnati. After a tough start to his MLB career, the 23-year-old third baseman is back with a retooled approach and a hot bat, hoping to add more firepower to an already potent Cubs lineup .
Matt Shaw returns to Chicago as Cubs see swift progress after minor league tune-up
Matt Shaw made the Opening Day roster after an impressive spring, but his early struggles at the plate were hard to ignore. In his first stint, he managed only a .172 batting average with one homer and 18 strikeouts in 68 plate appearances. The Cubs sent him back to Triple-A Iowa on April 15, with the goal of rebuilding his confidence and tweaking his mechanics — particularly toning down his exaggerated leg kick.
“Sometimes you have to take a step back,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell had said following Shaw’s demotion. “We just thought we saw enough where we kind of needed to take a break from this level and get some at-bats at Triple-A.”
That reset seems to have worked. Over 24 games with Iowa, Shaw hit .286 with six home runs, 14 RBIs, and a 151 wRC+. He homered twice on back-to-back days this past week, signaling he’s rediscovered his rhythm. The improvements weren’t just statistical — the Cubs were reportedly pleased with the adjustments he made behind the scenes, which convinced them he was ready for another shot.
The timing couldn’t be better. Since Shaw’s departure, third base has been a weak spot in the Cubs’ lineup. According to FanGraphs, the team has ranked 29th in baseball at the position, posting a -0.5 WAR and a dismal 35 wRC+ since mid-April.
Drafted 13th overall in 2023 out of Maryland, Shaw has always shown a natural ability to hit, even with his unorthodox style. Scouts had anticipated some growing pains, but his quick response to adversity bodes well for his future.
Now, with upcoming series against teams like the Marlins, Rockies, and Nationals — clubs with less formidable pitching — Shaw has an opportunity to cement his place and provide much-needed stability at third base. His journey is far from over, but this return might just be the start of something special.
Also Read: "He knew what was coming": Subway Series boos didn’t rattle Juan Soto, according to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza
Matt Shaw returns to Chicago as Cubs see swift progress after minor league tune-up
Matt Shaw made the Opening Day roster after an impressive spring, but his early struggles at the plate were hard to ignore. In his first stint, he managed only a .172 batting average with one homer and 18 strikeouts in 68 plate appearances. The Cubs sent him back to Triple-A Iowa on April 15, with the goal of rebuilding his confidence and tweaking his mechanics — particularly toning down his exaggerated leg kick.
“Sometimes you have to take a step back,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell had said following Shaw’s demotion. “We just thought we saw enough where we kind of needed to take a break from this level and get some at-bats at Triple-A.”
REPORT: Cubs prospect Matt Shaw is being called up, per @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/Xm0z4AQsc4
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 19, 2025
That reset seems to have worked. Over 24 games with Iowa, Shaw hit .286 with six home runs, 14 RBIs, and a 151 wRC+. He homered twice on back-to-back days this past week, signaling he’s rediscovered his rhythm. The improvements weren’t just statistical — the Cubs were reportedly pleased with the adjustments he made behind the scenes, which convinced them he was ready for another shot.
The timing couldn’t be better. Since Shaw’s departure, third base has been a weak spot in the Cubs’ lineup. According to FanGraphs, the team has ranked 29th in baseball at the position, posting a -0.5 WAR and a dismal 35 wRC+ since mid-April.
Drafted 13th overall in 2023 out of Maryland, Shaw has always shown a natural ability to hit, even with his unorthodox style. Scouts had anticipated some growing pains, but his quick response to adversity bodes well for his future.
Now, with upcoming series against teams like the Marlins, Rockies, and Nationals — clubs with less formidable pitching — Shaw has an opportunity to cement his place and provide much-needed stability at third base. His journey is far from over, but this return might just be the start of something special.
Also Read: "He knew what was coming": Subway Series boos didn’t rattle Juan Soto, according to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza
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