Cubs have every reason to dismiss insane Red Sox Matt Shaw trade idea

After the Chicago Cubs signed Alex Bregman away from the Red Sox during the offseason, trade speculation surrounding Matt Shaw immediately blew up. That was an understandable reaction to Shaw's position being taken over by a veteran All-Star on a five-year contract, and the trade rumors only grew louder when the Cubs signed Nico Hoerner to an extension. Despite all the smoke around a trade, however, the Cubs decided to hold onto Shaw and plug him into a utility role on their bench.

Flash forward to today, and that was clearly the right call. Shaw lost some time this year due to a back injury but when healthy has been a major asset to the team with above-average offensive numbers while taking reps at all three outfield spots plus first, second, and third base. The Cubs' need for pitching help has kept Shaw's name in the rumor mill, but he can't be moved in just any deal. That's why a recent Red Sox trade proposal from the Play Tessie podcast makes absolutely no sense.

The Cubs need to set the price much higher than this on Matt Shaw

The proposal in question, which would send outfielder Jarren Duran, right-hander Sonny Gray, and $10M cash to the Cubs in exchange for Shaw's services, might have looked quite appealing during the offseason. Things have changed since then. Gray's 3.12 ERA in 13 starts for the Red Sox this year is impressive, but he's now just a few months away from free agency. Duran, meanwhile, has been a below-average hitter through his first 300 plate appearances this year despite his All-Star reputation.

Dealing five years of Shaw away for two-plus years of a declining outfielder and a few months of an aging starting pitcher makes little sense, even if the Red Sox were willing to kick in some cash to cover the cost. The Cubs' offense would be banking on Duran to turn things around if he was even going to match Shaw's production, and even if that gamble worked out the deal would be a big hit to the infield depth at Wrigley Field.

That's not to say that Shaw should be unavailable under any circumstances, of course. If the Red Sox were open to moving someone like Connelly Early (who offered Bregman a heartfelt message as he left for Chicago) or Wilyer Abreu in order to land Shaw, that would be a lot more likely to get the attention of Jed Hoyer and the rest of the Cubs' front office. Failing that, however, the Red Sox are likely to be better off trying to pry away Pedro Ramirez in a this sort of trade than Shaw.

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