Matt Shaw sure sounds like the Chicago Cubs' Opening Day 3B

Despite a rumored interest in free-agent utility infielder Josh Rojas, the Chicago Cubs sat by as Rojas inked a one-year deal with the Chicago White Sox.

When talking about position players who the Cubs may still be targeting in free agency, it seems that the fanbase is missing one key talking point--the plan, while not publicly stated by the Cubs, is for top prospect Matt Shaw to be the Opening Day third baseman. So, while interest in players such as Rojas may not do much to appeal to a fanbase on edge, it does make sense why the Cubs would target a veteran who could play multiple positions while serving as an insurance policy for Shaw.

Shaw, to his credit, is speaking like he is the Cubs' third baseman. In an interview with MLB Network Radio, Shaw expressed his excitement about the idea of being the Cubs' starting third baseman at the start of the 2025 season.

Matt Shaw may be the unsung hero of the Cubs' 2025 roster.

Shaw could be an early difference-maker for the Cubs during the 2025 season. While the Cubs' top 2023 draft pick has yet to make his Major League debut, there is a reason to believe he could be an immediate contributor in the way Michael Busch was last season. FanGraphs' ZiPS projections have Shaw knocking on the door of being a 20-20 player next season with 16 home runs and 18 stolen bases while compiling a 2.3 WAR.

Shaw's projection is also why there should be doubt cast on the latest from Jon Heyman. During his free agency update for Bleacher Report, Jon Heyman mentioned the Cubs being an "outside possibility" for Alex Bregman. Short of Bregman's market completely evaporating, there doesn't appear to be a scenario where the Cubs are a legitimate suitor for Bregman, considering the desire the team has for Shaw to be the third baseman and the overall spending habits of Jed Hoyer.