The Toronto Blue Jays are navigating some choppy waters after losing their All-Star shortstop, Bo Bichette. With the current setup featuring Ernie Clement and Andres Gimenez in the middle infield, there's a sense that this configuration might not be the long-term solution the team needs.
The buzz around the league is that the Blue Jays might look to bolster their infield through a trade. A name that's been floated around is Matt Shaw, a former top prospect with the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs have a well-stocked infield with Nico Hoerner, Michael Busch, Dansby Swanson, and Alex Bregman all secured for the foreseeable future, leaving Shaw somewhat on the outside looking in.
Shaw's recent numbers in the majors-.226/.295/.394 with 21 doubles, 13 home runs, 44 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases over 126 games-might not be eye-popping compared to Bichette's, but there's more than meets the eye. His minor league stats tell a different story, showcasing a .301/.388/.527 slash line with 33 doubles, 35 home runs, 113 RBIs, and 51 stolen bases across 183 games. These figures highlight his potential and why the Blue Jays might see him as a valuable addition.
Financially, Shaw is an attractive option as well. He's under team control for about five more years, which means Toronto could secure his services for a significant period without breaking the bank.
While a trade for Shaw might not be imminent, it's something the Blue Jays should keep on their radar, especially as the trade deadline approaches. If Shaw's performance heats up and the Blue Jays find themselves in need of a spark, pulling the trigger on this deal could be a savvy move.