Donation Options Search Search Search Chicago Cubs’ Matt Shaw reacts after striking out against the Detroit Tigers during the fifth inning of a baseball game Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Detroit. File photo.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell held rookie Matt Shaw out of the starting lineup on Wednesday, giving the young third baseman a day to focus on his pregame work without worrying too much about the night’s game against the Twins.

“That includes rookie and Cubs top prospect Matt Shaw. Shaw made the opening day roster but struggled mightily and was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. He was recalled shortly after and after a blistering hot first few weeks back in the major leagues, he has since cooled off again,” he wrote.

If the Chicago Cubs were to add a bat at the trade deadline, third base could be one spot worth a conversation. But would they prefer to keep giving Matt Shaw at-bats?

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 3: Matt Shaw #6 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates his game-winning sacrifice fly in the 10th inning against the Cleveland Guardians with teammate Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 at Wrigley Field on July 3, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago Cubs Linked to Trade That Would Boost World Series Chances originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Cubs are one of the best teams in baseball so far this season. While they have been playing at an impressive level throughout the first half of the 2025 campaign, they could still use an upgrade or two.

The Chicago Cubs are on pace to score their most runs since 1930, but adding another bat for the stretch run would help.