Matt Shaw is certain to become an unavoidable topic for Cubs before deadline

For the 2026 season, Matt Shaw has filled a valuable role with the Chicago Cubs. He's played every position except shortstop and catcher, and his success against left-handed pitchers has made him deserving of regular appearances in the starting lineup. It's been the best possible outcome for Shaw after the Cubs signed Alex Bregman, but as MLB trade deadline season approaches, there's an inevitable question that Jed Hoyer will need to answer.

Is Shaw too valuable to the Cubs' roster this season that Hoyer refuses to include him in trade talks? In the past, when the Cubs have been contenders, Hoyer has opted against trading pieces off the major league roster.

Between Shaw's versatility and the fact that he is injury insurance for Alex Bregman, Dansby Swanson, and Nico Hoerner, there's a case to be made that Shaw shouldn't be traded this season. If the Cubs have their chips pushed to the middle of the table this season, ensuring they have contributors on the bench is an important piece of that.

As is addressing the priorities for the roster at the trade deadline. It goes without saying that the Cubs will be in the market for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, but the injury setback to Hunter Harvey and struggles of Phil Maton suggest that Jed Hoyer and Co. should also be in the market for a high-leverage relief pitcher.

Matt Shaw figures to be involved in the Cubs' deadline talks

The Cubs have several intriguing prospects they could include in trade talks, Kevin Alcantara, Jefferson Rojas, Pedro Ramirez, and Josiah Hartshorn, but it feels inevitable that a team will ask about Shaw. Teams were interested in Shaw last summer, and that was when his bat was very much a question mark. With more data, teams likely are going to be sold on the offensive adjustments that Shaw has made, as well as his positional versatility.

There's also a case to make that the Cubs shouldn't rule Shaw out of trade talks. Their starting infield is under contract through the 2029 season, at least, and it remains to be seen if the Cubs think Shaw is a viable option to replace one of Ian Happ or Seiya Suzuki in the outfield next season. If that's a question, there could be value in the Cubs selling high on Shaw's stock.

It's a question of value. Do the Cubs think Shaw would be more valuable on the roster or as the primary piece in a trade for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher? Considering the Cubs' shortcomings last October, it's fair to assume acquiring an established starting pitcher will be the priority for the Cubs at the deadline, even if Shaw is included in that cost.

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