Cubs Predicted To Make Tough Roster Decision With Top Prospect

The Chicago Cubs have some big decisions to make ahead of the trade deadline this season. While they’re likely going to add a few players to the team, there are a few names who will be axed from the roster.

One of the more intriguing players on the team is top prospect Matt Shaw. Obviously, with Shaw, “axed from the roster” would mean being sent to Triple-A rather than being cut. But will the Cubs send him down?

FanSided’s Zachary Rotman recently predicted the Cubs would decide to option Shaw to Triple-A, promptly replacing him with a veteran option at the hot corner.

“Overall, Shaw is slashing .207/.288/.293 with two home runs and 14 RBI in 59 games. He’s drawn a good amount of walks and has stolen 11 bases, but his bat just isn’t good enough and isn’t getting any better,” Rotman wrote. “There are few weaknesses in this talented and deep Cubs lineup, but third base has been one all season long. Cubs’ third basemen rank 29th in the majors with a 59 WRC+ and last with -0.5 fWAR.

“That isn’t all Shaw’s fault, but he’s obviously played there far more than anybody else. Giving Shaw the rest of the season to improve in a low-pressure environment like Triple-A while replacing him with a veteran upgrade to help them down the stretch could prove to be useful not only for the 2025 Cubs, but for Shaw – a player who should play a key role in this team in the future.”

Shaw had a lot of expectations riding on his shoulders coming into the year, and it’s seemingly been too much to handle. The young infielder has struggled tremendously.

As talented as he may be, there’s almost no way the Cubs will surge toward the postseason with a void in their lineup like Shaw. His OPS sits below .600 while his batting average is right around .200.

Chicago will likely chase a third baseman on the trade market in the coming weeks.

More MLB: Clarke Schmidt Injury News Leads to Yankees Trade Idea For $56 Million Ace