Cubs can't rely solely on Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez to replace Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki

With Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki becoming free agents this offseason, and Jed Hoyer suggesting that Pedro Ramirez and Matt Shaw could have larger roles with the Chicago Cubs next season, it seems that the team is foreshadowing what the initial plan may be for the corner outfield spots.

Considering the number of free agents the Cubs have this offseason, and the focus set on pitching, the impression has been that the Cubs could move toward a youth movement for the needs they have on the position-player side of the roster. We were asked about it on the latest episode of the Cubbies Crib podcast (Please subscribe, rate, and review), and the reality is that isn't what the moment calls for.

The Cubs are in the middle of their contention window. Depending on the moves that are made this offseason, it's possible that the team enters the 2027 season with their window already closing. In other words, it feels shortsighted for the Cubs to anoint Ramirez and Shaw as starting outfielders with no other moves made.

For one, Shaw only played 35 games in the outfield last year. Ramirez only had one game in left field. In time, both could certainly prove to be capable outfielders, but for a team that is going to be expected to win in 2027, that limited amount of experience would be a risk.

Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez may be part of Cubs' future but can't solve everything in 2027

There's also the downgrade that would represent for the Cubs' starting lineup. While both Shaw and Ramirez have thrived against left-handed pitching, they have had their struggles against righties. Ramirez slashed .237/.298/.364 against right-handers, with a wRC+ of 82. Shaw, meanwhile, slashed .200/.284/.356 with a wRC+ of 79.

On one hand, a player can only make a weakness a strength with more reps, but that isn't the type of team the Cubs will be fielding next season. Shaw and Ramirez may have larger roles on the roster next offseason, but before free agency, the hope is that Hoyer and Co. realize that they can't be the only answer for what is needed in the outfield next year.

In theory, this is how the Cubs can add a different look to their lineup next year. Rather than having established starting corner outfielders, perhaps the Cubs turn to a platoon-based role that both the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays have had success with.

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