After introducing Alex Bregman as their new third baseman, the Chicago Cubs made it clear they’re not just thinking about the present-they’re planning for roster flexibility in 2026. And that brings us to Matt Shaw, a name Cubs fans are going to hear a lot this season, even if he’s not penciled in as an everyday starter.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer gave a strong indication that Shaw’s role this year will be that of a super-utility player-a do-it-all piece who can plug holes across the diamond. Shaw’s already shown he can handle second base, shortstop, and third, but Hoyer took it a step further, saying the 23-year-old could also see time in the outfield. That’s a big development and one that echoes how the Cubs once used Javier Báez in his early years-letting athleticism and versatility dictate playing time rather than locking a young player into one spot.
The move makes sense on a number of levels. First, the Cubs’ bench was a major weakness last season.
Jon Berti, Vidal Bruján, and Justin Turner all struggled to provide consistent production, and in Berti and Bruján’s case, they didn’t even finish the season on the roster. That kind of instability forced the Cubs to lean heavily on their starters, and when injuries hit, the depth simply wasn’t there.
Shaw has the tools to change that. He’s already a standout defender on the infield and brings speed on the basepaths-two qualities that translate well to a utility role.
If he can prove capable in the outfield, even at just an average level, he becomes a valuable asset off the bench. Not just a fill-in, but someone who can give regulars a breather without a major drop-off in performance.
Offensively, Shaw is still finding his footing. His bat flashed promise at times last year, but there were also stretches where he struggled to keep up with big-league pitching.
That’s not unusual for a young player, and a bench role could actually be the perfect environment for him to continue developing without the pressure of everyday at-bats. He’ll get his chances, and if the swing starts to come around, he could play his way into a bigger role as the season progresses.
With spring training about a month away, the Cubs’ roster looks mostly set. Hoyer didn’t rule out more moves, but the core pieces appear to be in place. Assuming Shaw slots into that utility role, the rest of the bench likely includes Carson Kelly backing up behind the plate, Tyler Austin as a reserve first baseman, and Kevin Alcántara providing outfield depth.
There’s always the possibility of a trade-Shaw’s name has come up in rumors-but from a pure baseball standpoint, it would be tough to justify moving him right now. He fills too many needs and offers too much upside. The Cubs aren’t in a position where they need to deal from depth, especially with the rotation now solidified by Edward Cabrera and a bullpen that looks well-stocked after offseason additions.
Bottom line: Matt Shaw may not have a set position, but that’s exactly what makes him so valuable. In today’s game, versatility is currency, and the Cubs are banking on Shaw to be a key piece in their 2026 plans-wherever he lines up on the field.