Matt Johnson
The Chicago Cubs have been one of the best teams in baseball this season despite their rotation being decimated by injuries. With the Cubs’ lineup clearly deep enough to position the club to contend, one of Chicago’s hitters may need to be moved this summer to address the rotation.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote on Sunday that with Chicago in the market for a front-line starting pitcher, the front office “may have no choice” but to trade infielder Matt Shaw.
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Shaw, who is still just 24 years old, isn’t even eligible for arbitration until 2029. He’s making only $804,500 this season and has made strides at the plate. After posting a .226 batting average in his rookie season, Shaw has raised his average to .245 this year with an OPS near .700.
He’s also lowered his strikeout rate (21.5% to 17.5%) from year to year and is showing good positional versatility. However, the Cubs’ roster is deep on the position-player side, with Moises Ballesteros, Michael Conforto, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki and Alex Bregman needing consistent at-bats.
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For Chicago, the depth of hitters does provide the front office with the flexibility to move Shaw. The Cubs may also be at a greater advantage compared to other buyers because Shaw can immediately contribute at the major-league level, whereas prospects might never reach the majors.
The challenge might be finding the right trade partner. The San Francisco Giants may have starting pitching available (Robbie Ray and Tyler Mahle), but they already have Matt Chapman at third base. Meanwhile, the New York Mets are flush with young hitters at the corner infield.
