As the Boston Red Sox continue to explore ways to bolster their lineup, a handful of intriguing names have surfaced on the trade radar. Among them: Brendan Donovan, Nico Hoerner, Isaac Paredes, and most recently, Matt Shaw - a name that might not carry the same weight yet, but one that’s rapidly rising in relevance.
Shaw, a 23-year-old infielder for the Cubs, just wrapped up his rookie campaign in 2025. And while his season had its share of growing pains, there’s a lot to like about what he brings to the table - especially for a team like Boston that’s looking to inject some youth and versatility into its infield.
Let’s break it down.
A Tale of Two Halves
Shaw’s debut season was a rollercoaster. The Cubs made a bold move by including him on their Opening Day roster, and he immediately took over at third base.
But the adjustment to big-league pitching wasn’t smooth - Shaw hit just .198 with a .280 slugging percentage through his first 63 games. It was a tough stretch, no doubt, but one that’s not uncommon for rookies jumping straight into everyday roles.
Then came the second half.
Post All-Star break, Shaw looked like a different player. He hit .258 with 11 homers, 29 RBI, and a .522 slugging percentage over his final 63 games.
That’s not just improvement - that’s real growth. His ability to make midseason adjustments and find his power stroke speaks volumes about his potential and work ethic.
By season’s end, Shaw’s stat line looked like this: a .226 average, 13 home runs, 44 RBI, 17 stolen bases, and 3.1 WAR. Not eye-popping on the surface, but dig deeper and you’ll find a player who contributed on both sides of the ball.
Glove Work That Turns Heads
Offense aside, Shaw’s defense was a standout. He racked up 12 Defensive Runs Saved - a number that puts him among the league’s elite at the hot corner - and was named a Gold Glove finalist. That kind of defensive value is rare for a rookie, and it’s a major reason why teams like the Red Sox might be taking a closer look.
Even in the postseason, where the Cubs reached the NLDS, Shaw’s bat cooled off (he hit just .118), but his glove remained steady. For a player with just one year of MLB experience, that kind of poise on defense is a promising sign.
Why Boston Might Be Interested
The Red Sox are clearly in the market for a bat, and while they’ve been linked to more established names like Donovan, Hoerner, and Paredes, Shaw represents a different kind of target - a high-upside, cost-controlled player who’s still scratching the surface of his potential.
With Alex Bregman now in the fold for the Cubs, Shaw’s role in Chicago could shift. He might slot into a utility role, moving around the infield as needed. But given his value and the Cubs’ roster construction, a trade isn’t out of the question.
For Boston, that could be a golden opportunity. Shaw’s combination of power, speed, and elite defense - not to mention his youth and team-friendly contract - makes him an intriguing fit for a team looking to build a sustainable core.
The Bottom Line
Matt Shaw may not have the name recognition of some of the other trade candidates out there, but make no mistake - he’s a player on the rise. His rookie year showed flashes of what he could become, and if the Red Sox are looking to make a move for both the present and the future, Shaw is a name worth watching closely.
He’s not just a throw-in or a project. He’s a young infielder with real tools, a proven ability to adjust, and the kind of defensive chops that can anchor an infield. If Boston wants to add a bat while also thinking long-term, Matt Shaw might just be the kind of player who fits both timelines.