Cubs can’t afford this spring training trade idea with reality looming after 2026

The start of spring training for the Chicago Cubs has silenced the trade rumors that were surrounding Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw. The rumor took on a life of its own after the Cubs signed Alex Bregman, but with a little over a month to go before Opening Day, it seems likely that Hoerner and Shaw will be on the team's roster to open the season.

Between the two, Hoerner's role with the Cubs is more established. He's a clear candidate to receive a contract extension before becoming a free agent next offseason, and will open 206 as the team's starting second baseman and likely be near the top of the batting order for Craig Counsell.

Shaw's role has also come into focus during the early days of spring training. Shaw is going to serve as the Cubs' utility man in 2026, and that will likely see him get playing time at second base, third base, shortstop, and right field during the year. Shaw could also be a candidate ot serve as the Cubs' designated hitter against left-handed starting pitchers.

Shaw going from being the Cubs' top prospect to the first man available off the bench certainly is being viewed as a demotion by outsiders, and that could be what is fueling the trade ideas from Bleacher Report's Zach Rymer. Highlighting one trade that each team should consider before Opening Day, Rymer suggests that the Cubs trade Show to an eager contender. He also makes the case for Shaw to be the trade for the Kansas City Royals.

Matt Shaw still might hold the most value to the Chicago Cubs, and not as a trade candidate.

First and foremost, Shaw's 130 wRC+ during the second half of the season, with 11 home runs, is reason enough for the Cubs to keep him around. If nothing else, he raises the level of production of the bench. Something that has been a weakness for the Cubs in recent years. Not to mention, Shaw as Gold Glove finalist at third base in his rookie year.

Those are all reasons why the Cubs shouldn't feel compelled to trade Shaw.

The other reality is that Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki are all free agents next winter. Shaw is already viewed as the obvious candidate to replace Hoerner at second base next season. But, if Shaw's work in the outfield reaches the point where he is capable of holding down one of the corner spots on an everyday basis, perhaps he's also a potential replacement for Happ or Suzuki.

The Cubs may never fully close the door on the idea of trading Shaw, but as they approach Opening Day, it seems clear the 24-year-old is still an important piece to their long-term future.