Cubs Rumors: Matt Shaw could hold the answer to their biggest offseason need

No matter what has happened over the past year, Matt Shaw hasn't been able to escape trade rumors. They ramped up when the Chicago Cubs signed Alex Bregman last offseason, and even though Shaw was injured at the trade deadline, it wasn't a foregone conclusion that the Cubs would hold onto their former first-round pick.

The likeliest path for Shaw and Cubs moving forward is that the 24-year-old is a starting outfielder for the team next season. Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ are both free agents this offseason, and given that Shaw has primarily played in the outfield this season, it seems like a natural conclusion to make that he will replace one of the departing veteran outfielders.

Though, the conversation surrounding Shaw this offseason will be the same one that followed him ahead of the deadline. It would have been louder had Shaw been healthy, but the premise was that if the Cubs are going to be trading a top-of-rotation pitcher who is also under control for multiple seasons, Shaw would be near the top of the list in terms of trade chips they can offer.

Matt Shaw trade rumors won't disappear, but his future remains with the Cubs

Assuming the Cubs plan on having those trade talks this winter, Shaw will likely be involved. That is the primary reason why MLB.com's Mark Feinsand listed Shaw among the top trade candidates this offseason.

Feinsand touts Shaw's control and versatility in the infield as the reason why teams will be interested in him, and the MLB insider also notes the need for pitching the Cubs will have. It's a connection that hasn't gone away, but now is likely that time.

Yes, the Cubs will have a need for pitching this offseason but part of the reason why their could be comfort in letting both Suzuki and Happ walk this offseason is that Shaw has proven deserving of a permanent stay in the Cubs' starting lineup. Injuries have limited him to 67 games this season, but he has five home runs with a wRC+ of 109 and ISO of .191. There is clear power developing with his approach, and that dates back to the second-half of last season.

In other words, the Cubs addressing their need for pitching shouldn't come at the expense of trading Shaw. He's a cost-controlled option for one of the corner outfield spots, and at the very least, allows the Cubs to simply spend money to address their pitching woes. It shouldn't be that hard of a concept to follow.

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