Cubs utility man Matt Shaw tackles new positions, from outfield to first base, battling for a versatile lineup spot.
The Chicago Cubs have put new utility specialist Matt Shaw in difficult spots this spring.
With the addition of Alex Bregman this offseason, Shaw lost his everyday spot at third base. That has led the 24-year-old to learning a new position this spring. He has seen plenty of work in the outfield throughout the Cubs’ Spring Training games.
Getting reps in the outfield is extremely important for Shaw. He has never played this position in his professional career, and he will face some growing pains in the field. Learning from mistakes in the spring will no doubt help his development in the outfield.
However, outfield isn’t the only new position that he has played in the spring so far. In Wednesday’s Spring Training game against the Kansas City Royals, Shaw got the start at first base.
Shaw doesn’t have any experience playing first base in his professional career. So, seeing him draw the start at that position was sort of a surprise on Wednesday.
“Look, we’re giving him kind of a difficult Spring Training experience here,” manager Craig Counsell told reporters in Arizona. “I respect what he’s doing this spring. It hasn’t been easy, for sure. But, I’d rather make it hard right now and then go into the season with at least some experience at all these things.”
It’s not a bad idea to give Shaw some reps at first base. Given that backup Tyler Austin is set to miss the start of the 2026 season, the Cubs are in need of someone to back up Michael Busch at first base. That role could be given to Shaw.
Although Busch likely won’t see many days off, first base is just another spot where Shaw could potentially play to stay in the lineup. He has the chance to see reps at third base, shortstop, second base, outfield, and first base this season.
It’s clear that the Cubs are doing all they can to keep Shaw in the lineup in as many different ways as possible. Given that the 24-year-old is entering his second season in the Majors, he needs to continue to see consistent plate appearances.
Shaw has also looked solid at the plate in his 12 Spring Training games. He is batting .333 (10-for-30) with one double, one home run, two RBI, and four stolen bases across 35 plate appearances. In those 12 games, the utility specialist has a 50% hard-hit rate, a low 14.8% whiff rate, and an excellent 90% zone-contact rate.
Shaw looks ready to play any position the Cubs put him in this season. That should help him get regular at-bats throughout the 2026 campaign.