Matt Shaw Moves Down

The Cubs have sent 3b Matt Shaw back down to Iowa. Shaw's season hasn't started as the Cubs or the fan base had hoped. Hitting .172. This is probably the right move by the Cubs. Shaw has the tools, but the adjustment curve to MLB pitching is steep, especially when your contact quality is in the bottom 2 percent. That 1.80 SO/BB ratio is encouraging, which shows he’s not completely overmatched, just not squaring the ball up yet. Could be timing, approach, or just a confidence thing.

Triple-A is the perfect place to reset, build on that plate discipline, and work on defense without the pressure cooker of the bigs. Meanwhile, Berti brings that steady utility vibe, and Workman—if he gets hot—could surprise a bit. Not a bad stopgap combo, but not exactly what we'd hoped for to start the 2025 season. 

Long term, Shaw still feels like a big piece of the Cubs’ puzzle. Better to be patient and get him right than risk stunting that potential. 

There have been plenty of examples of player that had to make this move before becoming successful at the Major League level: Our own Kyle Tucker twice, Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, PCA. Matt Olson 5 times during the 2017 season alone, before becoming a 2x All-Star, 2x gold glove and a Silver Slugger award winner.

For reference:

Tucker: .141/.236/.203 slash in his first 72 MLB plate appearances before being optioned.

Shaw: .172/.294/.241 slash in his first 68 MLB plate appearances before being optioned.

In conclusion, take a deep breath Cubs fans. This isn't a setback, it's a setup. Shaw is getting a chance to recalibrate, refine his swing, and get consistent at-bats without the pressure of Wrigley Field expectations. He’s shown flashes, he just needs time to turn potential into production. There’s no reason he can’t be back up by midseason, stronger and more prepared to stick. Let the kid cook in Iowa! We all want him ready when it really counts!