Sometimes, the Matt Shaw Cubs hardest part of being a young player in Major League Baseball isn’t making it to The Show—it’s staying there. For Chicago Cubs rookie Matt Shaw, that reality hit hard early this season. But instead of letting failure define him, he used it as fuel. His demotion wasn’t just a setback—it was exactly what he needed.
A Struggling Start at Third Base
Third base had been a revolving door for the Cubs all season. From Jon Berti to Justin Turner, no one seemed to settle in or produce consistently. That included Shaw himself, who started the year with high expectations but struggled mightily out of the gate.
Through his first 18 games, the 23-year-old infielder was batting just .172 with a slugging percentage of .241. He looked lost at the plate—striking out often and rarely squaring up pitches. Though he showed some plate discipline by drawing walks, the lack of impact made it clear something had to change.
The Tough Decision: A Return to Triple-A
With the Cubs pushing for the top spot in the NL Central, there wasn’t room for patience. Shaw agreed with the team’s decision to send him back to Triple-A Iowa, even if it stung at first.
“There’s not time for young guys to struggle when we want to win, so it was exactly what I needed,” Shaw told CBS Sports. “I think it was something that I really needed.”
That honesty and humility paved the way for growth.
A Minor League Reset Pays Off
Shaw didn’t waste time in the minors. Over 24 games with Iowa, he slashed an impressive .286/.409/.560, hitting six homers and swiping five bases. More importantly, he worked closely with coaches on refining his swing mechanics—simplifying his approach and improving his timing.
His leg kick was toned down, and his posture became more upright. These changes helped him get into position faster, allowing him to make harder contact more consistently.
Immediate Impact Upon Return
Since rejoining the Cubs, Shaw has been a different hitter. In just six games back in the majors, he recorded hits in five of them, posting a .360 average and slugging .560 with five doubles. Even during a tough 0-for-5 night, he still impressed by barreling multiple pitches.
“He’s made adjustments, and you can see it,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “He looks more confident, more in control at the plate.”
A Fresh Perspective and New Outlook
The time away gave Shaw more than just mechanical fixes—it gave him clarity.
“It gave me a little perspective about the big leagues and a breath of fresh air,” he said. “It also gave me some time to work on things, all of which I needed.”
Though he’s not likely to move up much higher than the No. 8 spot in a stacked Cubs lineup, Shaw is now holding down third base and giving the team a consistent presence where they needed it most.
xWhat’s Next for Matt Shaw?
Despite the early struggles, Shaw remains a top contender for NL Rookie of the Year, sitting at +1100 odds. And with the Cubs heading into a key homestand against the Rockies and Reds, there’s a growing belief that their everyday third baseman has finally arrived.
For Shaw, the lesson is clear: sometimes taking a step back is the only way to move forward.
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