MLB insider's Cubs trade deadline fit proves why Matt Shaw rumors won't be silenced

Thanks to a strong push prior to the All-Star Break, the Chicago Cubs are back in "clear-cut buyer" territory. It remains the league's worst-kept secret that their priorities are as follows: starting pitching, relief pitching, pitching, and some more starting pitching.

The Cubs already began adding to their rotation by swinging a trade for David Peterson, though his season-long struggles and the general state of the pitching staff (read: injured) ensure that the front office can't rest on their laurels. With a lot of attractive arms supposedly available this summer, there's really no excuse for the North Siders not to bring in several more healthy pitchers if they are serious about contending.

Naturally, in his latest rumor roundup for The Athletic, Jim Bowden highlighted a number of targets worth pursuing, from Tarik Skubal to Robbie Ray. In fact, he outright listed Sonny Gray of the Boston Red Sox as the best trade fit, which isn't too surprising given his tremendous success this year and rental status.

However, Bowden became just the latest to include Matt Shaw's name on the rumor mill, suggesting that he'd make for a perfect centerpiece heading back to Boston in a Gray trade.

Matt Shaw has made himself indispensable to the Cubs' present and future plans

Packages sending Shaw to the Sox have been commonplace ever since the Cubs snatched up Alex Bregman in free agency, including a recent proposal that returned Gray, Jarren Duran, and cash back to Chicago. But even if there's some merit to such an idea, it's become harder and harder to make amends with the idea of dealing Shaw in the first place.

Though he still hasn't quite emerged as the star hitter we all envisioned while he was tearing up the minor leagues, the 24-year-old has become an integral part of the Cubs' vastly improved bench this year. He's played every position on the diamond besides shortstop and catcher, giving the team another above-average option at both third base and in right field.

He's also improved at the plate in every regard in his sophomore campaign despite more sparse playin time, striking out less frequently while getting on base with more regularity. A 105 wRC+ and .737 OPS aren't much to write home about, but they make him a plug-and-play option in the lineup on a nightly basis. Considering he's not even in his prime and is controllable via arbitration through 2031, it'd be foolish to part with him for a rental (and some extra fodder).

That's not to say that Gray isn't a worthwhile target for the Cubs; he owns a 2.61 ERA this year and has plenty of experience in the NL Central. There just has to be a more sensible package to land him, whether that means the Red Sox include more from their end or the North Siders withhold Shaw from such discussions.

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