Cubs recall former top prospect with tarnished reputation after Matt Shaw injury news

Whille the impression in recent weeks had been that the Chicago Cubs have soured on Kevin Alcantara, the 23-year-old outfielder has returned to the roster.

Alcantara has had a curious run with the Cubs since the end of the 2024 season. Injuries forced him to make his debut during the final week of the 2024 season, but there was much of an effort to give him playing time. Similarly, he only played 10 games with the Cubs in 2025.

This season, recalling Alcantara was one the levers the Cubs pulled earlier this season when they were in an offensive funk, but he only registered 10 plate appearances. He was mostly used as a pinch-runner, leading to mental gaffes on the base paths. That role has since been taken over by Justin Dean, and he's been fine. That's all you can ask for, considering it's not one that comes with muich playing time.

Which is why it was odd that Dean pinch-hit for Matt Shaw on Sunday during a plate appearance of consequence. Craig Counsell confirmed after the game that Shaw was removed due to wrist soreness, leading the roster move the Cubs made today.

It's also tell of what the Cubs think is the best course of action for Moises Ballesteros right now. Instead of bringing back their Opening Day DH, the Cubs are having continue his run with the Iowa Cubs, getting regular reps as the team's catcher. It remains likely that the Cubs will bring Ballesteros back at some point this season, but not until there's more runway to give him plate appearances.

Matt Shaw injury could dramatically alter the Cubs' trade deadline approach

Shaw's injury isn't ideal timing for the Cubs. Since returning from a back injury, Shaw appeared to be semi-regular in the starting lineup. In his last 43 plate appearances, Shaw is slashing .257/.395/.457 with a wRC+ of 143. While the likes of Dansby Swanson (when he's not facing Mets' pitching) and Alex Bregman have struggled, the hope was that Shaw could be an important piece in the lineup moving forward.

The injury could also further complicate decisions for Jed Hoyer ahead of the traded deadline. Even if the Cubs weren't planning on moving their former first-round pick, him being on the roster likely made them comfortable with the idea of trading Pedro Ramirez. That may not be the case now.

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