Cubs Bracing for Matt Shaw’s Imminent Return to the Major League

CHICAGO — Matt Shaw may soon rejoin the Chicago Cubs after a productive stint in Triple A Iowa. The 23-year-old infielder was sent down in mid-April to address hitting issues but has since made adjustments that caught the team’s attention.

Shaw was not in the Iowa lineup on Sunday, signaling his potential call-up during the Cubs’ upcoming road trip. Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged discussions about his return, stating, "It’s under consideration, for sure." This follows a successful sweep of the Chicago White Sox, where Shaw’s teammate Pete Crow-Armstrong excelled with a triple and a double over the weekend.

Shaw struggled in his brief 18-game time with the Cubs, posting a 62 wRC+ and a 26.5% strikeout rate. A year earlier, he had an average exit velocity of 89.3 mph in Triple A, but that dropped to 82.7 mph during his big league time. Since his demotion, he has rebounded with a strong 151 wRC+ and six home runs.

The Cubs emphasized the need for Shaw to regain his confidence and improve his mechanics, particularly his leg kick, which they believed hindered his performance. A team source noted it took time for Shaw to accept these changes, but he appears to have adapted successfully.

In recent games, Shaw has demonstrated comfort with his new approach, hitting multiple home runs and regaining his power. The Cubs are eager to fill the void at third base that has produced a meager output of 28 wRC+ since Shaw’s departure.

Counsell remarked, "We’re trying to win games, and we’re trying to put the player in a good position to succeed." The Cubs hope Shaw’s return will solidify their lineup ahead of an important stretch of games.