Chicago Cubs News: Why the Cubs drafted SS Matt Shaw over a pitcher in the 1st round

The Chicago Cubs need reinforcements as soon as possible

Is there a chance that drafting a top-of-the-rotation arm is more impactful long term than a middle infielder? Sure. However, as proven by Zach Neto’s rapid promotion and the lack of a pitcher equivalent from last year’s class, it stands to reason that a college hitter has the ability to impact the major league squad sooner than a pitcher would be able to.

Depending on whose scouting report you read you might see Shaw as a shortstop or you might see him as a second or third baseman. If you’re looking at the major league roster you’ll likely notice that the Cubs have Nico Hoerner locked up at second base through 2026 and Dansby Swanson locked up well beyond that at shortstop.

That being said, the Cubs have had a black hole at third base with Patrick Wisdom's inability to hit consistently and Christopher Morel’s difficult-to-watch defense. If Shaw moves quickly through the system there is absolutely going to be room for him at the hot corner.

Even if you see the fact that he would provide a service with a quick promotion and think that there is a pitcher that could have done the same thing but at a position of greater need, that would lead to the next reason that drafting Matt Shaw was the right move.