Jed Hoyer drops clue about Matt Shaw's future after Alex Bregman's signing

After Alex Bregman's introductory press conference on Thursday, Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer gave a big hint about Matt Shaw's future with the team now that they've signed a new third baseman.

With fans wondering how Shaw fits into the roster with Bregman handling the hot corner, Hoyer seemingly confirmed that the 23-year-old will have a super utility role in 2026. We already know that Shaw can play second base, shortstop, and third, but Hoyer said playing the outfield is a serious possibility for Shaw.

It's smart from a team composition standpoint, especially when you remember how horrible the Cubs' bench was last year. Jon Berti, Vidal Brujan and Justin Turner were all pretty unreliable at the plate and the first two were not even worth keeping around for the entire season.

But if Shaw can play the outfield at an average level, he can be the team's primary bench asset. His defense on the infield is superb and he is quick on the basepaths, so he checks all the boxes. Being on the bench would also give Shaw time to develop his bat, which showed promise at times last year while looking downright horrendous at others.

The Cubs roster largely looks set with one month till spring training

Although Hoyer said the team isn't necessarily done making moves, I feel like the team can comfortably head into the regular season with what they have. With Shaw the utility man, the rest of the bench will likely shakeout something like Carson Kelly, Tyler Austin as the backup first baseman, and Kevin Alcantara the extra outfielder.

Unless the team moves on from Shaw, as he is getting a lot of trade buzz at the moment. But from a baseball standpoint, it just doesn't make sense to do that when he could be such a vital asset on the bench. And the team doesn't have a vital need right now. With Edward Cabrera rounding out the rotation, the Cubs are set with starting pitching, and the bullpen additions point to a very solid group of relievers.