3 Cubs prospects whose stock dramatically rose this season

While the Chicago Cubs' 2024 season was undoubtedly a disappointment at the Major League level, the Cubs once again saw growth within their farm system. As the Cubs near the end of the 2024 season, there are several prospects who elevated their stock this season and are names to watch for in 2025.

1. Matt Shaw

After selecting infielder Matt Shaw in the first round of the 2023 draft, the Cubs have watched the 22-year-old quickly shoot his way to the top of both their farm system and national prospect rankings. MLB currently has Shaw as the 21st-best prospect in all of baseball and the best prospect in the entire Cubs system. Needless to say, the expectations are high with Shaw and he has delivered at every turn so far.

Shaw is currently rounding out his first full season as a pro, and he is slashing .282/.376/.491 with 21 homers and 29 stolen bases across both Double-A and Triple-A. He has been able to handle Triple-A pitching since his Iowa Cubs call-up and he has also improved his defense at third base. Although he was initially drafted as a second baseman, the Cubs made sure to give him reps at third because of Nico Hoerner's presence at the big-league level and third base was a need at the time.

Things have changed in the meantime though, as the Cubs traded for third baseman Isaac Paredes, who is under team control for another three seasons after 2024. And that is the only problem with Shaw, the Cubs don't have anywhere for him to play at the big-league level. The team will have to give Paredes time to settle into his role and unless the big-league squad gets hit with a significant injury, Shaw is effectively blocked.

It would be hard to see Shaw go in a trade given his elite talent, but the team may have to make a tough decision like that next year. For the beginning of 2025 at least, Shaw will likely remain with Iowa and continue to get everyday reps until his opportunity in MLB arrives.