Landing Bregman could force the Cubs to move Matt Shaw. Should his trade value fuel a pitching acquisition for their win-now window?
The Chicago Cubs appear to have their eyes set on landing Alex Bregman or Tatsuya Imai this offseason. The Cubs are reportedly interested in both players, and landing one of them is a real possibility.
Imai would easily solve that frontline starter issue. He had a fantastic final season in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) with a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts across 163 ⅔ innings pitched and has the potential to be a No. 1 pitcher in any rotation.
As for Bregman, he would be Kyle Tucker’s replacement in Chicago’s lineup. Although he will turn 32 years old in March, his 4+ WAR in three of the last four seasons means the Cubs are getting a game-changer in their lineup.
If the Cubs actually wind up landing Bregman on a multi-year contract this offseason, things could become complicated with Matt Shaw. Bregman would take over as the primary third baseman in the Windy City, leaving Shaw in more of a reserve role in 2026 and beyond.
Shaw would likely be in a super utility role for this Cubs team next year. He could get some reps at third base, shortstop, second base, and designated hitter when players need days off, and could be a late-inning defensive replacement at third in some games.
However, if the Cubs do sign Bregman this offseason, trading away Shaw might not be a bad idea.
Bregman would be the team’s primary third baseman for the next couple of seasons. Assuming the front office doesn’t let Nico Hoerner walk in free agency next offseason, Bregman, Hoerner, and Dansby Swanson would be locked in as the infielders for this Cubs team for years to come.
That means there is nowhere for Shaw to play. As a result, trading him for a frontline starting pitcher with multiple years of control could make a lot of sense.
The Cubs are in desperate need of a top-of-the-line starting pitcher. By landing Bregman, they would likely not pay big money to another pitcher in free agency. Instead, the front office could look to trade for a pitcher.
That’s where Chicago could use Shaw’s value to land a pitcher of MacKenzie Gore or Edward Cabrera’s potential. He would be the main piece of any deal for a young pitcher, and a lot of up-and-coming teams would probably love to acquire the 24-year-old.
While it would suck a bit to give up on a former top prospect, the Cubs’ win-now window is here. The franchise might not get many more opportunities to go all in on a championship run. Getting Bregman and Gore/Cabrera could get this team over the top.
If that means having to part ways with Shaw, so be it.