Jurickson Profar suspension creates surprising but improbable Cubs trade possibility

The trade rumors surrounding Matt Shaw have quieted down since the start of spring training, but likely, the Chicago Cubs haven't closed the door on a potential deal. No, the Cubs aren't shopping Shaw, and there are reasons why he should stick around, but if a team gets desperate enough, that could be what it takes for Jed Hoyer and Co. to make a move.

The Boston Red Sox felt like the team that could be desperate enough, but their trade for Caleb Durbin seemed to close the door on that possibility. With that, the attention turned to Shaw's role with the Cubs in 2026.

But a sudden suspension could see Shaw have renewed trade interest. Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar has been suspended for the entire 2026 season after a second failed drug test. Profar was suspended for 80 games at the start of the 2025 season for his first failed drug test.

Profar is appealing his suspension, but the expectation in Atlanta is that his future won't be with the Braves.

Before the suspension, the Braves were the team many expected to bounce back from a 2025 season that was riddled with injuries. Atlanta very much is still a team that is contending this season, and it would make sense for them to pursue a replacement for Profar in their starting lineup.

The Braves will look at other options, but a trade with the Cubs involving Matt Shaw may be the better long-term play.

Enter Shaw and the Cubs. While the Braves may first examine other trade possibilities, like Ryan Mountcastle of the Baltimore Orioles, there's reason to believe they could have some trade interest in Shaw.

If the Braves, like the Cubs, believe that Shaw is capable of handling the outfield, he could be an intriguing platoon partner for Mike Yastrzemski in left field. Shaw could also see time as the Braves' designated hitter, considering their current option is a non-roster invite in Dominic Smith.

The Braves also have some uncertainty in their infield, both at the start of the 2026 season and next offseason. Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is expected to miss the first month of the season after suffering a wrist injury and fast-forwarding to next offseason, Kim, utility infielder Mauricio Dubón, and second baseman Ozzie Albies could all be free agents. Even if the Braves don't believe that Shaw's long-term outlook is in the outfield, it would be easy to slide him into their infield projection as early as next season.

To be clear, a Shaw trade with the Braves should be viewed as unlikely, but it speaks to the type of creativity that would be involved if the Cubs were to move their former first-rounder. Especially if it was to a team rich in pitching prospects.