Chicago Cubs prospect Matt Shaw earning more praise this winter

Chicago Cubs prospect Matt Shaw is quickly ascending the Chicago Cubs farm system ranks. After getting drafted just last season, he made it all the way up to Double-A Tennessee. Now, he is flying up prospect leaderboards.

The latest is Rotowire, who ranked the young infielder as the 19th best prospect in all of baseball.

I've been high on Shaw since before the draft and was thrilled when the Cubs drafted him 13th overall in the first round. He looks like he will be the real deal, but the biggest obstacle for him moving forward is where he will play in the field.

Primarily a shortstop, Shaw is blocked at the MLB level by Dansby Swanson at shortstop and Nico Hoerner at second base. That leaves third base, where the Cubs have a gaping hole offensively and defensively. My belief in Shaw is so high that I hope the Cubs don't sign Matt Chapman to a deal unless it's a short one that can act as a segue for Shaw. Thankfully, Shaw has been taking reps at third base this summer.

The Athletic (subscription required) recently highlighted Shaw with the impression that he is likely pegged for third base once he reaches the Major League level.

Shaw has the skill set of a hitter that will succeed at every level. The more that Shaw can prove to play multiple positions this season, the better. The Cubs will need his bat in the lineup before long. The expectation is for Shaw to start the year in Double-A with a chance of a quick promotion to Triple-A if he has early success.

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