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Last year, Matt Shaw emerged as the everyday third baseman for the Chicago Cubs. He hit .226/.295/.394 with 13 home runs, 44 RBI, and 17 stolen bases and finished ninth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. It looked to many like Chicago had their third baseman of the future.
But then the Cubs signed Alex Bregman during the off-season. He, of course, was going to take over third base. With Nico Hoerner entrenched at second base, and Dansby Swanson at shortstop, Shaw was left without a position he could play every day.
As a result, Chicago started developing him into a utility player. They had him work in the outfield during Spring Training, and half of his appearances this year have come at one of those three positions.
The Chicago Cubs are urged to trade Matt Shaw for Michael Wacha
Suddenly, Shaw was dispensable. While he is currently on the injured list right now, many people believe the Cubs could still use him in a trade that would bring Chicago something they desperately need: pitching.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently suggested a deal that would send Shaw and Kevin Alcantara to the Kansas City Royals for two-time All-Star Michael Wacha:
“In this deal, the Cubs would add Wacha, 35, who made the AL All-Star team this year and is controllable through 2027 with a team option for 2028. He has posted sub-4.00 ERAs each of the past five years (including this one) and still has a special changeup and unique downward plane to his pitches.
“In return, the Royals get two young bats who can’t crack the Cubs’ starting lineup in Shaw and Alcántara. Shaw, 24, can play second base, third base and corner outfield. As an everyday player, he projects to have 15-20 home run power. Alcántara, 23, has never been given a legitimate chance with Chicago, but he’s having another strong season in Triple A.”
Bowden admits that this deal would be a bit of an overpay by Chicago, but also claims it would be worth it considering that the market for starting pitchers is so thin. Low supply and high demand means that the price is going to be high.
Wacha, as Bowden points out, was an All-Star this year for the second time in his career. He currently is 5-7 with a 3.77 ERA. Most importantly, he is healthy. The 35-year-old right-handed pitcher has made 19 starts this year and made 31 in 2025.
As a side note, Wacha making the All-Star team in 2026 was significant as he became one of the few players ever to go more than 10 years between such appearances. He last made the All-Star team in 2015 when he was with the St. Louis Cardinals.
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