Craig Counsell's lineups are sending a powerful message about third base situation

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell put out some unique lineups in this weekend's series against the New York Yankees. While much was made about the leadoff spot changes, it was hard not to notice the lack of Matt Shaw in the starting nine for any of the three games at Yankee Stadium. Counsell opted for Jon Berti and Vidal Bruján to start at third, neither of whom has been putting up much offensively this season.

Shaw, the rookie first-round pick from 2023, has been magnificent with the glove at third base. There's no question about it. We know he can pick it. The bat is just not there yet. While it's fair to say few expected Shaw to light the world on fire when he first came up, there was reasonable hope he could be a solid enough bat to justify him taking the reins this year. He's shown some flashes with the stick, but he hit just .156/.217/.229 with one home run over his past 33 games heading into Sunday's action. Contact quality is not very high, and it's been an overall struggle to produce.

There's no better option at this point - and the Cubs are well aware

Berti and Bruján are not exactly fixes either, but it's a clear sign that the Cubs need much more from their third baseman offensively. Starting either of them feels like a "It cannot be worse, so please give me help," message. It's a premier position in baseball, and at some point, you need legit production from it. Counsel knows that, and Jed Hoyer more than likely knows that, even though the hot corner has been a black hole since Kris Bryant's departure four years ago.

Shaw's rookie struggles should not be an indictment of his future. Not every notable prospect thrives right away at the MLB level. His looking like he needs more development and work is not a death sentence. It's a tough ask for a rookie to take over an important position like third on a team trying to win.

With that said, it's time to be 100 percent serious about contending. The trade deadline and second half are coming fast, and the Cubs are in a tight race for postseason positions. Priority needs to be getting more production from the hot corner by any means necessary in 2025. Whether that is a deal for Eugenio Suárez, or some other move like a Willi Castro-type.

It's hard to wait and hope Shaw can turn things around drastically over the next few months. He's been given chance after chance to prove himself, and now, Counsell seems to be ready for a shakeup down the stretch.