2023 MLB Draft: Mock Draft round-up for the Chicago Cubs and the 13th pick

Matt Shaw (SS) Maryland

.359/.467/.743 289 PA, 75 R, 20 2B, 1 3B, 23 HR, 43 BB, 38 K, 17 SB

Keith Law of the Athletic has the Cubs taking Matt Shaw. He references the current Front Office’s interest in advanced metrics and mentions Shaw’s numbers:

"Shaw is one of the best pure hitters in the draft class with metrics to match, something the Cubs are clearly aware of given their choice of Cade Horton with their first pick last year. "

- Keith Law

Fangraphs has a good write-up on him that compares his compact 5’11 frame to Dan Uggla but also talks about some of his drawbacks. His arm may limit him to second base, which isn’t a massive problem as the Cubs still covet middle-of-the-diamond kinds of players. That being said, the thing that gives me a bit of concern is that they discussed his inability to cover the upper third of the plate which reminds me of a college bat that I was sure was the real deal. He put up stellar contact and power numbers and was drafted in the first round and now finds himself in AAA due to that same inability to catch up to the high fastball. I’m not saying Matt Shaw is Keston Hiura, I’m just saying that the profile of a player that can only cover ⅔ of the plate scares me a bit.