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These numbers show just how poor the Cubs' third base production has been

There hasn't been much coming from the hot corner so far this season but the offensive numbers are astronomically low.
ByRobert Longhini|
May 6, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder Jon Berti (5) hits an RBI single during the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
May 6, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder Jon Berti (5) hits an RBI single during the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

It’s becoming all too commonplace as the Cubs have already hit the quarter turn of the season: just simply not getting enough production from the hot corner. From the early struggles of Matt Shaw getting his first big-league action to the defensive woes of Gage Workman and Vidal Bruján, the Cubs are still lacking that extra advantage at third base to add to this lethal offense.

Remarkably, the Cubs currently hold a putrid .497 OPS from their third basemen, which ranks 29th in the league, nearly two hundred points below the league average of .689. In the league as a whole, there hasn't been a figure this low since 1981.

Among all the options the Cubs have deployed, the team leader at third has been Jon Berti while slashing .242/.306/.273 and an OPS+ of 67, significantly below league average. Shaw slashed .172/.241/.294 with an OPS+ at 55 before his demotion. Not to mention the team technically doesn't have a home run at the position yet so far in the season, Shaw's long ball came as a pinch hitter. The options are sparse, but water would seemingly have to find its level as we head into the heat of the summer.

Third base remains a black hole for the Cubs


There’s just so much meat on the bone here as the rest of the lineup continues to rake. Outside of Nico Hoerner (90), every other starter sits above league average, led by Kyle Tucker (156) and the red-hot Carson Kelly (222). All that’s asked for is a slight improvement from the position to really set this offense apart in the National League.

Shaw has been putting in the work to make adjustments out in Iowa and will be due for a call back up to the main roster eventually. Historically, all the Cubs’ top dogs of yesteryear have taken a ride on the Des Moines Express and came back to be significant contributors.

There aren't many options out on the market to take a nibble on either, especially considering Jed Hoyer's type of acquisition. Only time will tell how much of an improvement can be made and it seems likely to give Shaw that opportunity.

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