The Cubs have a decision coming this offseason, and Matt Shaw sits right in the middle of it.
Chicago is headed for a busy winter with Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ both reaching free agency, which means the outfield needs help. Shaw, a versatile young piece, could be part of that answer and potentially earn a starting job out there. But there’s another path the Cubs could take.
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand pointed to Shaw as a possible trade chip if Chicago decides its bigger need is on the mound.
"That said, Shaw could be a valuable trade chip for the Cubs if they look to deal for starting pitching," Feinsand writes.
That kind of move would only make sense for a serious arm. The Cubs have no reason to move Shaw for anything short of an elite pitcher, especially with this offseason’s weak free-agent market in both the infield and outfield. That only drives Shaw’s value higher.
Even though his big-league production hasn’t reached All-Star level yet, Shaw’s age, control and ability to handle multiple spots make him the sort of player that can headline, or at least heavily fuel, a deal for pitching help.
Feinsand floated names such as Emerson Hancock of the Seattle Mariners and Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves as examples of the type of starter the Cubs could pursue. Whoever the target is, Shaw would be a major piece in getting Chicago close to a deal for frontline pitching.
The Cubs don’t have to move him. They could keep him, plug him into the outfield and be happy with the fit. But if a strong starting pitcher becomes available, Shaw gives them the kind of trade leverage that can change the conversation fast.
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