Matt Shaw's path to playing time shifts dramatically after a key signing, potentially redefining his role across multiple positions in 2026.
There’s no doubt that Matt Shaw is the clear loser of the Alex Bregman deal.
One season after making his Major League debut, Shaw has lost his job as the Chicago Cubs third baseman. Bregman will be the team’s everyday third baseman, and that leaves the 24-year-old in a weird spot heading into the season.
It’s not a complete surprise to see the Cubs upgrade the third base position after Shaw struggled for most of the 2025 campaign. He only hit .226 with 13 home runs, 21 doubles, 44 RBI, and 94 strikeouts across 437 plate appearances.
More importantly, Shaw looked overmatched at the plate in the postseason. He went 2-for-17 with one RBI, one stolen base, and seven strikeouts in eight playoff games. The young third baseman also went hitless in seven of those eight contests.
With the Cubs in the midst of their win-now window, Bregman gives them the best shot at trying to get back to the World Series. He is an upgraded bat in their lineup, and the team couldn’t rely on Shaw to figure it out following last year’s struggles.
His hard-hit rate (29.4%), average exit velocity (84.9 mph), chase rate (30.6%), squared-up rate (22.5%), and strikeout rate (21.5%) all ranked in the bottom half of the league. So, there are real concerns about whether Shaw can turn it around in Year 2.
That’s why the Cubs went out and signed Bregman.
But where does that leave Shaw?
Assuming the front office decides not to trade Shaw this offseason, he will find himself in a super utility role throughout the 2026 season. He could see time at third base, shortstop, second base, and the outfield.
That was basically confirmed by both manager Craig Counsell and Shaw himself at the Cubs Convention over the weekend.
“His transition to third showed that he can do it,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘Now, this is the outfield. I think moving an infielder to the outfield is a little easier than the other way around. I think Matt’s shown that he’s a very good athlete.’’
Shaw is basically going to be a replacement along the infield and outfield this year. If Bregman needs a day off, Shaw will start at third. If Nico Hoerner or Dansby Swanson need a day off, Shaw will start at one of the middle infield spots.
He will also likely see some starts in the outfield. If a lefty is on the mound, the Cubs could opt to move Seiya Suzuki to designated hitter and give Moises Ballesteros a day off. That’s where Shaw could get some of his starts, considering he slashed .250/.318/.490 against southpaws last year.
Even though Shaw won’t be in the lineup every day, he will have a role on this Cubs team in 2026. He’ll play all around and could still see upward of 250 at-bats.