Cubs struck gold with Pedro Ramirez but still have one thing left to do

When Matt Shaw went down with a wrist injury at the end of June, it was fair to be worried about the state of the Chicago Cubs' bench. The former top prospect had played a key utility role this season, covering innings at every position on the diamond besides shortstop and catcher while posting an above-average 105 wRC+. That type of versatility and production isn't easily replaced.

Unless, of course, you have Pedro Ramirez waiting in the wings. The 22-year-old rookie has put time in at every infield position besides shortstop since debuting in the majors, totaling +2 Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average apiece across his variety of roles. Couple that with the fact that he's nearly hitting .300 and has a 119 wRC+, and it's not outlandish to suggest he's the Cubs' modern day Ben Zobrist.

To be like Zobrist, though, Ramirez will need to add even more to his bag of tricks. With outfield help high on the offseason priority list, adding another position or two to the rookies' plate is the next order of business.

Pedro Ramirez and Matt Shaw can become the ultimate super-utility combo on Cubs' roster

According to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, the Cubs want to start getting Ramirez more regular work in the outfield corners. He's played just 45 professional innings there (all in left field), including just one in the majors, but it may be his best path toward becoming an everyday starter.

With both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki slated for free agency at the end of the 2026 season -- and top prospect Owen Caissie long gone -- there's a need for players capable of playing the corners. It's possible (if not likely) that one of those veterans re-signs, but inking both to expensive, long-term deals that last into their mid-to-late thirties isn't good business on either side of the upcoming lockout.

There was once thinking that Shaw would be the heir apparent in right field, but he's proven invaluable in his super-utility role. Getting Ramirez, who is a switch-hitter and crushes lefties, settled at a single position might give the Cubs the maximum amount of versatility that they can squeeze out of 13 position players.

That's also not to say that two utility men can't exist; if a top prospect like Josiah Hartshorn or Kane Kepley forces their way into the outfield picture earlier than expected, Ramirez and Shaw can both be on call in case injuries or off days arise. Having both on the bench at the same time would make for one of the best reserve units in the league.

Expect to see Ramirez get a little more work patrolling the grass at Wrigley down the stretch in anticipation of what's to come, though adding a little more utility to his belt will only add options in the future, not take them away.

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