Is Matt Shaw Going to Be a Topic of Conversation at the Trade Deadline? - Bleacher Nation

"On those assumptions, there's a question that people are understandably going to be asking in the months ahead: would or should the Cubs trade Matt Shaw for such a pitcher? It's not hard to see why people will be asking the question. For one thing, the Cubs will QUITE OBVIOUSLY have a need for an impact starting pitcher at the deadline, and there are only so many pieces with which an organization can part that are of a sufficient value to acquire such a pitcher."

"More specific to this situation, though, the Cubs are an organization that has an infield replete with high-quality players under long-term control. They have a similarly versatile defender on the 40-man roster in Pedro Ramirez who could, in theory, be ready to stand in as Shaw sooner rather than later. They have a potential stud infield prospect in Jefferson Rojas who is just behind, and who similarly has nowhere to go just yet."

"And they have a player in Shaw whose highest and best value is probably at third base, where he made himself into a Gold Glove finalist (and the value of having that kind of defender with his bat at third is MUCH higher than having that same bat playing capable corner outfield). Take all of that together, and it at least makes sense to be having this conversation, and for the Cubs to consider the situation in the months ahead."

"That said, it's not as if there aren't very easy counters. Matt Shaw is ALREADY providing value to these Cubs, regardless of the other players around him. Having a top bench option like him available is hugely valuable, and that's before you even consider th"

The Cubs could seek an impact starting pitcher at the August 3 Trade Deadline, especially if key position players remain healthy. The organization has multiple infield options under long-term control, including Pedro Ramirez as a potential short-term replacement and Jefferson Rojas as a high-upside prospect. Matt Shaw’s best value appears tied to third base, where his defense and bat combination has produced Gold Glove-level recognition. Despite the need for pitching, Shaw already contributes immediately and provides top bench value. That current utility can outweigh the theoretical positional flexibility created by other infield pieces, making the decision complex.

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