Cubs promising 24-year-old tabbed as trade chip thanks to infield problem

Cubs promising 24-year-old tabbed as trade chip thanks to infield problem originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Chicago Cubs have a few clear issues to resolve on their roster, with the starting rotation being the most obvious problem right now.

Multiple injuries to the rotation, and even the healthy starters aren’t playing well, have the Cubs in dire need of pitching help this summer. To improve that rotation, the Cubs might have to part with some very valuable players, and one 24-year-old fits the bill.

As Mark Feinsand of MLB.com highlighted, 24-year-old infielder Matt Shaw is a trade candidate this season thanks to the major need in the rotation, and the infield problem blocking the youngster from earning a roster spot anytime soon.

Cubs’ Matt Shaw named trade chip amid infield and rotation problems

“With both second and third base locked up for the foreseeable future, Shaw appears to be a player without a home on the diamond,” Feinsand writes.

Since Shaw doesn’t have a roster spot in the infield, his only long-term option would be in the outfield. It could work, but ideally, the Cubs play Shaw at his natural infield position.

But, with Alex Bregman entrenched at third base and Nico Hoerner at second, Shaw might be best used as a trade chip.

“The Cubs figure to be in the market for a starting pitcher this summer, and given that their farm system has fallen from MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 ranking two years ago to No. 23 prior to this season, Chicago may have to deal from its big league roster,” Feinsand writes.

With a clear need for rotation help and the lack of a long-term infield plan for Shaw, he’s a very sensible trade candidate this season to upgrade the rotation.

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Plus, using Shaw would be a huge help in adding a pitcher from a club that might view themselves as closer to contending than a team like the Colorado Rockies.

Shaw can play in the big leagues right away for a new club, which is a lot more appealing than a prospect with a lot of unknowns if they’re even going to make the Major Leagues.

The 24-year-old Cubs’ former top prospect has shown enough in his big league experience so far, with a .690 OPS and 98 OPS+ to go with solid base-running ability and good defense.

There’s room for improvement, and a change of scenery, landing with a club that could use him at his ideal positions of second or third base, would be a welcome change for Shaw.

He’s a very sensible trade candidate for the Cubs this season, and is someone who could help the Cubs land the kind of pitcher they so desperately need right now.

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