Spring training has been a mixed bag for the Chicago Cubs, with Seiya Suzuki's injury casting a shadow over an otherwise uneventful camp. Despite some injury setbacks involving Suzuki, Tyler Austin, Jordan Wicks, and Porter Hodge, the overall outlook for the Cubs' 2026 season remains intact. Yet, the performances in camp have offered both reasons for optimism and areas of concern as Opening Day approaches.
One standout in camp has been Matt Shaw. After the Cubs signed Alex Bregman in January, there was much speculation about Shaw's role.
The Cubs quickly positioned Shaw as a utility player for the upcoming season, and spring training has confirmed that plan. Shaw's versatility has been on full display, with appearances all over the field, including first base and the outfield.
He's been designated as the primary backup in right field, should Suzuki not be ready for Opening Day.
Shaw's performance at the plate has been equally impressive. In 44 plate appearances, he's slashing .361/.455/.500 with a 149 wRC+. With those numbers, Shaw is making a strong case for a spot in the starting lineup.
On the flip side, Jameson Taillon's spring has been concerning. The veteran pitcher has struggled, particularly with the long ball, allowing multiple home runs in each of his four Cactus League starts. His latest outing, a 10-run game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, highlighted the issues.
While it's common to temper reactions to a veteran's spring training performance, Taillon's decreased velocity is raising eyebrows. This often signals potential mechanical or physical issues. The Cubs are giving Taillon the benefit of the doubt for now, but if these struggles continue into the regular season, they may have to make some tough decisions early on.
As the Cubs look to finalize their roster, these developments will be key in shaping their strategy for the 2026 season.